Summary
Schools from China, Pakistan, Kenya, Morocco and many other countries participated in the virtual debate competition
The participants spoke on the future of Artificial Intelligence, the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on the climate and how robotics may impact human life in future
Students from more than 10 countries, including China, Pakistan, Kenya and Morocco, participated in a global debate competition hosted recently by SAI International School in Bhubaneswar.
A total of 49 schools from India and abroad participated in the debate competition, the purpose of which was to develop communication skills, critical thinking and the ability to collaborate in children, a press communique from SAI International School stated.
The virtually held debate competition saw participation of two schools from Japan, two schools from Pakistan, 38 schools from India and one school each from China, South Africa, UAE, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Morocco.
British high commissioner to India, Alex Ellis, attended the debate competition as a guest. Addressing the students, he said, “Global problems need global solutions. These problems can only be addressed by deliberations and discussions.”
He spoke on the importance of incorporating topics related to climate change, cyber security and artificial intelligence in debates among children.
Hemanth Bharatha Chakravarthy from Harvard College Debating Union, the keynote speaker for the programme, appreciated the effort of the school for conducting an international debate competition. He spoke on ‘Debate and its role in society’ and emphasised the importance of developing good communication and writing skills.
Chairperson, SAI International Education Group, Shilpi Sahoo congratulated all the participating students and said that such platforms where students get to learn about intercultural relationships was crucial for all-round development of young minds.
“It is important to work towards attaining the sustainable development goals together as one world one family and promote inclusive global citizenship,” she said.
The winners were announced after two rounds of deliberations. They were judged on the basis of content, accuracy, clarity, body language and expression. Various topics were covered during the debate, right from the future of Artificial Intelligence in school education to the adverse effects of excessive use of the internet. Some of the topics also focused on the future of robotics and its effect on humans, and how the COVID-19 pandemic may have helped in reducing carbon footprints.
Tarun Tapan Bhuiyan from SAI International School won the best debater award in the junior category, while Anoushka Panda from SAI International School won the award in the senior category. Indian High School from Dubai, UAE and SAI International School, India bagged the best school award in the competition.
Last updated on 03 Feb 2022
