Regional Debate Tournament on Youth Policy and Civic Engagement in Uzhhorod

On December 10, 2025, a regional debate competition on the topic of the political and social engagement of youth was held at the Faculty of History and International Relations of Uzhhorod National University. Students from three higher education institutions participated in the event: Uzhhorod National University, Mukachevo State University, and the Ferenc Rákóczi II Transcarpathian Hungarian College of Higher Education. This constituted a significant event for regional education and scholarship.

The student organisation of Rákóczi University was represented by Telinger Jázmin, Rácz Milán, Szenykó Volodimir, and Egresi Virág Kitti. They noted that it was extremely interesting for them to participate in these debates, and they are eagerly looking forward to the next event, aiming to represent their university successfully in similar future competitions. The team was prepared and accompanied by Marianna Marusinec, Candidate of Philological Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of History and Social Sciences, Senior Researcher at the Tivadar Lehoczky Research Center, and Senior Researcher at the Ferenc Rákóczi II Transcarpathian Hungarian University.

The tournament was held in the British parliamentary debate format, where participants discussed current topics, including:

  • Should the government significantly increase investment in culture, even at the expense of other budget items?
  • Should the state promote greater efficiency of youth councils by granting them more powers?
  • Finally, in the final round — does this house support active separation of young people from their parents upon reaching adulthood?

Anna Meleganics, coordinator of “Active Community” in Transcarpathia, emphasized: “We are not organizing debates at the Faculty of History and International Relations for the first time, and today it became a true regional event where students from all corners of the region gathered. This not only helps develop debating skills but also gives students a great opportunity to explore new cultural and educational horizons.”

Tournament format: participants debated in the British parliamentary style, divided into two groups — government and opposition. Each player had a clearly defined speaking time and the opportunity to ask questions to opponents. This format promotes critical thinking and the ability to respond quickly to opponents’ arguments.

Pavlo Velychko, jury member and military serviceman who had previously participated in debates, shared his experience: “This format develops leadership qualities in young people, helps them be confident in their position, and conveys it convincingly to the audience. It is important not only to be right but also to argue your point persuasively.”

This year’s tournament winners:

  • 1st place — Meritus team (Nadiya Sobol and Viktoriya Petryuk, Uzhhorod National University)
  • 2nd place (tie):
    • Conscious Together (Tetyana Lenyo and Khrystyna Moshkola, Uzhhorod National University)
    • STEP (Dana Hoga and Alina Pauk, Mukachevo State University)
  • 3rd place — Historians (Mykola Smulskyi and Taisiya Lybavka, Uzhhorod National University)

The winners shared their impressions: “It was incredible! We didn’t even expect to reach the final because the debates were very intense. But despite that, we really enjoyed it, and now we are ready for the national tournaments!” — said Viktoriya Petryuk and Nadiya Sobol.

Participants received not only certificates but also valuable gifts from the event partners and sponsors. The winners will prepare for the next stage — the national debates.

The tournament’s goal is to create a platform for open discussion about the role of youth in society and to promote the development of critical thinking, argumentation, and public speaking skills among students. Such events provide participants not only with valuable experience but also inspire them to engage in active civic participation in the future.

We thank all participants and organizers for the wonderful atmosphere and professionalism! Together, we are taking an important step toward developing a debate culture in Ukraine.

 

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