"Yetenegini Kesfet" Debate and Public Speaking Tournament 2025 (Turkish)
This Debate and Public Speaking Tournament, held on May 8-9, 2025, at the Sirius College, Eastmeadows Campus in Melbourne, brought together talented high school students from across Australia for two days of rigorous intellectual exchange and spirited competition.
Organised by the Australian Universal Federation (AUF), the national event featured students competing in two categories: Years 9-10 and Years 11-12. The tournament aimed to foster critical thinking, articulate communication, and respectful discourse among young people on a range of timely and challenging topics.
Participants engaged in debates exploring social, global, and ethical issues, demonstrating high levels of preparation, analytical skill, and teamwork. The format encouraged students not only to defend their positions but also to listen, adapt, and respond thoughtfully—skills that are essential for leadership and civic engagement. This tournament was widely praised for promoting unity through dialogue and empowering students to engage with complex ideas in meaningful ways. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of debate to educate, connect, and inspire future leaders.
Tournament Results:
Best Public Speakers (Year 9-10): Halide Turkmen and Ezgi Ulker from Sirius College.
Best Public Speaker (Year 11-12): Selma Guzel from Sirius College.
Best Debater (Year 9-10): Mihrimah Geyik from Pinnacle College.
Best Debater (Year 11-12): Selma Guzel from Sirius College.
Best Debating Team (Year 9-10): Amity College (GHS)
Best Debating Team (Year 11-12): Amity College (GHS)
On the third day of the event, attendees enjoyed a special trip to Melbourne, which included an immersive visit to the Harry Potter™: The Exhibition and a tour of Melbourne Central, one of the city’s most iconic urban shopping and cultural districts. This day offered a well-deserved break and a memorable cultural experience after the intensity of the debates.
AUF congratulates all winners and extends special thanks to all participating schools, including Fountain College (Perth), Pinnacle College (Adelaide), Amity College (Sydney), and Sirius College (Melbourne), whose students contributed to the tournament’s high standard of discourse and collaborative spirit.
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