Kealakehe students represent Big Island as they advance to next round of international debate competition

A team of students from Kealakehe Public High School has advanced among the top 32 teams worldwide in the 25th annual Brewer Foundation/New York University International Public Policy Forum.

The International Public Policy Forum is a prestigious global debate contest sponsored by the Brewer Foundation and New York University. It is the world’s only international high school debate competition combining written and oral advocacy on issues of public policy.

Now in its 25th year, the forum’s annual competition began in October with a record-breaking 332 teams from 39 countries, including Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, China, and Japan, making it the largest qualifying field in program history.

This year, Kealakehe is the only team from the Big Island to advance to the next round. Last year, they made it to the top eight teams.

In the prior round of 64, teams submitted arguments in a written volley on the topic: “Resolved: The Group of 20 Nations should levy a global education tax equal to 1% of each member country’s gross domestic product to establish a dedicated international organization that supports the provision of universal, free, quality primary and secondary education.”

A panel of judges evaluated each submission and selected the 32 teams advancing to the next round. These teams represent schools in 14 U.S. states and nine countries.

“These teams represent a generation eager to engage in serious public advocacy and committed to confronting the challenges that shape the world they will inherit,” said Brewer Foundation Chairman and Founder William A. Brewer III. “Their energy and determination reflect a real desire to make a difference, and we look forward to seeing which teams earn a place in the Sweet 16.”

Through successive written elimination rounds, the International Public Policy Forum field will narrow to the final eight teams who will be invited to debate in New York City.

The finals will be held on Saturday, April 18, at the New York University School of Law, where the “Elite 8” teams will compete in oral debates before a panel of judges that includes professionals from law, business, academia, and public policy.

The International Public Policy Forum World Champion will receive the $10,000 grand prize and the Brewer Cup.

Check the International Public Policy Forum website for more information.