The Kurdistan Foundation, through its youth empowerment entity Empower.KRD, in collaboration with Qatar Debate and in partnership with Cambridge International School, successfully concluded the Kurdistan Debate Championship 2026 at the Youth Hub in Erbil.
The championship was attended by His Excellency Areen Barzani, Founder of the Kurdistan Foundation, alongside the Minister of Education, the Governor of Erbil, senior government officials, educators, and representatives from participating schools. The event brought together 192 students representing 64 schools from 16 areas across the Kurdistan Region in one of the largest academic debate competitions ever organized in the region.
Designed to foster critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills, the championship provided students with a platform to engage in structured academic debate in both Kurdish and English. The initiative aimed to encourage intellectual exchange, strengthen civic engagement, and promote a culture of constructive dialogue among young people.
Over the course of the competition, students debated a wide range of contemporary topics, demonstrating their ability to analyze complex issues, present evidence-based arguments, and engage respectfully with differing viewpoints. The championship highlighted the growing role of debate as an educational tool that enhances academic performance, confidence, and public speaking skills.
To ensure the highest standards of adjudication, the competition was overseen by 20 certified judges from across the Kurdistan Region, with technical support and guidance provided by Qatar Debate. The partnership helped align the championship with internationally recognized debate standards and best practices.
Following the final rounds, Rechka Public High School from Penjwen emerged as the winner of the Kurdish Stream Championship, earning an academic trip to Hurst College in the United Kingdom. In the English Stream, CADMUS International School – Duhok secured first place and will go on to represent the Kurdistan Region at the Qatar Debate Open, providing students with an opportunity to compete on an international stage.
The Kurdistan Debate Championship 2026 reflects the Kurdistan Foundation’s continued commitment to advancing education, youth empowerment, and leadership development across the Kurdistan Region. By expanding access to debate-based learning and creating opportunities for academic excellence, the initiative contributes to preparing a new generation of informed, confident, and engaged young leaders.
The Kurdistan Foundation congratulated both winning schools and all participating students, teachers, judges, and partners for their contribution to the success of the championship, reaffirming its commitment to investing in educational initiatives that promote dialogue, critical thinking, and academic achievement.
