SEOUL ---- Global Junior Debaters (GJD) is preparing up for its Winter Iteration 2024, set to take place in Seoul from December 16 to 19. The four-day event will bring together middle and high school students from several countries, offering a high-quality experience in debate and public speaking, as well as the opportunity to engage with global issues.

Building on the momentum from its Summer 2024 Debate Camp, which drew participants from over 15 international schools and reported a 93% satisfaction rate, GJD aims to provide a space where students can improve their critical thinking and communication skills. The organization, run by accomplished high-school students across the world, was founded by high school junior Chloe Oh. It aims to focus on improving critical thinking and leadership in young debaters, helping them develop skills as leaders that are increasingly valuable in a rapidly modernizing world.

“We hope the students can learn not just how to win a debate, but how to approach global issues with a sense of responsibility and open-mindedness, it’s about listening, understanding, and then presenting your viewpoint in a way that resonates with you,” says Chloe Oh, the founder and president of GJD.

Debaters in the Winter iteration will take part in structured debates on topics that reflect current global challenges, such as artificial intelligence, economics, criminal justice, and social justice. The event will also feature lectures on persuasive speaking, critical analysis, and argumentation, all led by experienced coaches.

The Winter Iteration classes will run daily online from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM from December 16-19, each day will consist of lecture sessions, practice rounds, and formal debates, with students receiving feedback on their performance from expert coaches that’s available due to the optimized coach-to-debater ratio. The iteration will then culminate in a final tournament on December 19, during which, debaters will put their learned skills to practice within a final, formal setting to recognize both individual and team achievements.

This year’s Winter Iteration is expected to draw students from countries including South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, the United States, and Canada. The event serves not only as a competition but as a platform for cultural exchange, allowing students to interact with peers from different backgrounds.

Following the Winter Iteration, GJD plans to continue expanding its network of schools and participants, with plans to increase international collaboration in future events. As debate programs gain more prominence in educational systems worldwide, GJD aims to provide students with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.

GJD has also begun partnering with other educational organizations to offer scholarships and awards, providing additional opportunities for debaters within their organization to push their debate education forward.