Imperial College London was an auspicious venue for the UK National Finals for the EPCA and PlasticsEurope European Youth Debating Competition (EYDC) yesterday (July 17th 2017), and EPPM was lucky enough to witness the action first hand.
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EDYC group shot
Some 60 students from 10 schools around the UK stood up and made their case around the theme 'People, planet, profit in the digital age: With or without petrochemistry and plastics?'
The afternoon played host to some memorable arguments and debating performances, including insightful case studies and real-life examples of how plastics plays a role inart bringing innovation to society, and in some instances how plastics technology may be doing harm. Medical procedures, 3D printing, F1, aerospace, children's toys, BPAs and smartphones were the most popular themes on the table among the youngsters, but six individuals made themselves stand out to the jury,
During the debate, the participants were divided into fixed speakers with pro and con factions, and free speakers who presented an argument from any position. Moreover, participants and members of the audience were encouraged to show how convinced each argument was by displaying green or red ballot cards, making it an interactive experience.
"I was really impressed by the students," said Harbinder Bhanvra, Business Manager at SABIC who presided over the debate. "From the way they handled the difficult content matter to the way they formulated and delivered their thoughts. It is truly remarkable to see young people taking up public debate in our country."
Three winners were selected to represent the UK in the European Finals that will take place on 1st October in Berlin, during the EPCA 51st Annual Meeting, the largest gathering of the global chemical business community in Europe.
The seven-member jury was composed of representatives from the plastics and petrochemical industry sector, academia and media, who analysed the young debaters’ performances based on their knowledge, ability to express themselves and interact with each other.
At the end of the debates, the jury awarded David Fagmeni (Westcliff High School for Boys), Cecili Ward (Prendergast School) and Rachel Kale (Prendergast School) first, second and third place, with those three students being invited to debate in the finals, with Mohamed Daghem, Ellen Steiner and Ali Demirci recognised as runners up.
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EYDC winners
L-R: Rachel Kale (Prendergast School), Cecili Ward (Prendergast School), David Fagmeni (Westcliff High School for Boys)
"This competition gives us a unique opportunity to connect with a new generation," said Nathalie Debuyst, Communication and Education Manager at EPCA, and member of the jury. "It gives us the chance to listen and learn about their views and expectations about the future. I witnessed an engaging debate amongst digital natives who showed great enthusiasm and understanding of society’s development and needs and the contribution of science, petrochemistry and plastics in our daily lives."
"For the past two years, we have been engaged in these debates and once again, this debate reminds us of the impressive standards of British debating societies," added Kim Christiansen, North Region Director at PlasticsEurope.
In the last edition of the EYDC, Caroline Gakpetor, a UK student, was one of the joint first-place winners of the European Finals in Budapest, during the 50th Anniversary EPCA Annual Meeting.
The next national debate will take place in Paris, France on 15th September 2017 after the summer break.
