Initiated in the UK in 1981, this programme has become one of the focal points of ESU life. It aims to give young people a platform to express their views on relevant topics. Once a year, a theme is given to all ESU chapters around the world. Local competitions are then held and two sponsored winners from each country attend the International Competition in London. Once there, they are treated to a four-day programme of cultural visits: speech and debate workshops, live debates at the Parliament, a theatre outing, etc. The actual competition takes place on the last day and the winner is invited to return in fall to collect the prize awarded by H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh at Buckingham Palace. If, as is often the case, participants choose to extend their stay for the weekend, they are invited by members of the local ESU branches in order to become better acquainted with England and English culture. In 2004, contestants from over 30 countries took part in the competition.

 

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