Debates

Quarterly youth-led debates on global social, political, and development issues aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals

Global Youth Parliament Debate

Youth leaders from across continents engaging in global policy dialogue through Rolfes SDG Academy’s Global Youth Parliament initiative.

Rolfes SDG Academy hosts quarterly debates on social, political, and development issues in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, community development, and education. These debates are conducted live on Zoom and YouTube, bringing together youth from around the world to engage in serious, policy-focused discussion.

Global Youth Parliament 2026

Motion:
This House believes that global climate policy must prioritise adaptation strategies over mitigation and reversal efforts.

What Is This Debate?

The Global Youth Parliament Debate is Rolfes SDG Academy’s flagship inaugural event — a Westminster-style parliamentary debate where youth from more than 25 countries engage substantive policy arguments on one of the most pressing climate questions of our time.

This is not a panel discussion. It is a structured parliamentary debate focused on evidence, policy reasoning, and democratic exchange. It represents youth leading substantive conversations on climate solutions.

Truly Global

Participants from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania.

Westminster Parliamentary Format

Used in the UK Parliament, universities worldwide, and international championships.

Climate Justice Lens

Focused on equity, systems thinking, and Global South perspectives.

Recorded and Published

Debate recorded and published on YouTube.

Why This Question Matters

Mitigation & Reversal

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and removing carbon from the atmosphere.

Adaptation & Resilience

Preparing communities to live with climate impacts that are already unavoidable.

The Central Challenge

Resources are finite. Political will is limited. Every dollar spent on one approach is a dollar not spent on the other. This debate asks what global climate policy should prioritize, and why.

How the Debate Works

Government Side: Argues in favor of prioritizing adaptation strategies.

Opposition Side: Argues in favor of prioritizing mitigation and reversal efforts.

Debate Roles

Lead Speaker

Structured opening arguments.

Backbencher

Additional evidence and perspectives.

Moderator

Ensures fair and orderly debate.

Analyst / Rapporteur

Documents key arguments.

Audience Member

Q&A and voting.

Volunteer Organizer

Regional coordination.

Ready to Lead?

Youth are not just affected by climate policy — they are shaping it.

Email: debate@rolfessdgacademy.org

Apply to Participate

Youth Leading the Conversation on Climate Solutions