Re-Debate 5.1 - Reviving a Culture of Interaction and Activism

More than 1,500 high school students from 100 high schools from 61 municipalities in the country will become new champions for the issues impacting their lives. In partnership with the National Youth Congress and the Ministry of Education, Sports, and Youth, and with the support of the Open Society Foundation for Albania, the Municipality of Tirana, United Nations Albania, UNFPA Albania, UNICEF Albania, and also support from the Netherland Embassy in Albania, a national debate championship was held in Tirana.

Despite the efforts to promote youth participation in social development, still, in Albania, there is a lack of space for debate by citizens, for citizens and their problems. The length of debate is "occupied" by politics or its issues and by "experts" who encourage seemingly elite models but have lost the perspective of involving stakeholders to discuss issues with the general public and their interest. There is also a massive gap between young people’s potentials and their skills and habits in debating using critical thinking. 

Fostering critical thinking, the spirit of debate culture, and the development of communication skills are at the Re-Debate program's heart. This is the first time that such debates are organized at the national level, engaging young people more than ever. Aged between 15 and 24 years, they are positive role models to their peers and experienced in inspiring other young people in constructive ways with passion and dedication to an issue or cause.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Evis Kushi praised the project and thanked the LIBURNETIK Organization, saying that: “The critical and analytical thinking, the culture of the debate, make today a healthier society. Truthfulness, common interest, exchange of ideas and avoiding prejudices will help to create a successful young generation.”

In his welcoming speech, Mr. Roberto De Bernardi, UNICEF Representative in Albania, emphasized the opportunities Re-Debate 5.1 provides for young people from 61 municipalities in the country's largest project. He said that critical thinking and arguing, and promoting tolerance and respect for someone else's opinion are not always taught in compulsory subjects in school but they are learned in such projects, so everyone should give them due importance.

Mr. Rogier Nouwen, Vol.  Deputy Ambassador of the  Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, noted the importance of involving and supporting young people. He added that this activity is an excellent opportunity for young people to increase their ability to accept different views while respecting each other’s opinions. 

At the event, the Executive Director of LIBURNETIK Organization, Mr. Ergys Gezka, shared some of the young people’s achievements. Some of them were the winners from the latest edition, who spoke about their Re-debate program experiences.

UNICEF firmly believes that by harnessing children and young people's voices as agents of change, decision-makers will support every child. Young People of the Re-debate 5.1 are expected to inspire other youth to reimagine and to make Albania a better place to live in. The event was also  greeted by representatives from UNFPA, Tirana Municipality, and National Youth Congress.