The UN Foundation’s The People Speak Campaign Launches Second Part of Its Global Debates Series

The United Nations Foundation’s The People Speak—an educational campaign to engage the world’s youth on global issues—announced today the launch of the second half of its Global Debate Series. The series challenges U.S. and international high school students to debate two controversial global issues: climate change and water rights. The second round of debates, timed to coincide with the United Nations World Water Day on March 22, 2008, will address global water rights.

“We are excited to launch the second half of our Global Debate Series as we continue to engage young people in discussions about global affairs,” said Victoria Baxter, executive director of The People Speak. “Thousands of students are participating in this unique series that offers students the opportunity to work with their peers to address some of the most controversial issues we all face.”

Over 600 high schools in more than 70 countries are involved in this two-part series. The second round of debates will take place from March 1 through March 24, 2008 and will include an online discussion between American high school students and students in Jordan, as well as a number of international debates in areas as far-reaching as Egypt and the Republic of Moldova.

The first round of debates took place in October and focused on reducing global carbon emissions. The Global Debate Series’ first-round U.S. finalists include Princeton High School (TX), Madison Central High School (MS), Brother Rice High School (MI), Kearney High School (NE), Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School (TX), Del Valle High School (TX), Albuquerque Academy (NM), and the Montgomery Academy (AL). International participation in the October debates was also particularly strong, with top global debate teams from the Republic of Moldova, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Russia, Lithuania, Chile, and South Africa.

All participating schools are eligible to compete to win an all expenses paid trip to the UN Foundation Youth Leadership Summit. The Summit will be held at the United Nations in New York in July 2008. It will bring together student activists to learn more about the issues, tour the United Nations headquarters, and meet with UN officials.

For blog entries, videos, and commentary about the UN Foundation’s The People Speak visit www.ThePeopleSpeak.org.

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About the People Speak 
The United Nations Foundation campaign, The People Speak, educates and engages young people on the global issues that will shape their future. Young people are ready to take on some of the most serious challenges and exciting opportunities facing our nation and the world. By engaging them on issues of poverty reduction, global health, climate change and more, TPS is inspiring young people to be a positive force for change in the world. More information is available online at www.ThePeopleSpeak.org.

Press Contact:

Amy DiElsi
United Nations Foundation, (o) 202-887-9040, (e) adielsi@unfoundation.org