Global AI Debate Spring 2026
Official Invitation Available now
Competition Tracks
Two ways to compete
01
Public Speaking Track
(Individual Entry)
In this individual event, students deliver a well-researched speech on a designated AI-related topic based on their age group.
Each speech should be a single-take, unedited video recording. Participants may use AI tools for research, writing, and content creation, including visuals. The top 20% of participants advance to the elimination rounds, where they may submit a new video or reuse their original video.
Schedule
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Qualifying Round
April 15, 2026 – Videos of Speeches Due
April 20, 2026 – Break Announced
Top 20% of submissions in each category advance
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Finals – April 25, 2026 (Live on Zoom)
6:00 PM ET – Live speeches in front of a panel
02
Essay and Debate Track
(Team Entry)
This team-based track combines written essays with live debates, challenging students to research, build arguments, and engage in structured debate rounds. Students may work individually or in teams (even whole classrooms can collaborate on a submission), but the top teams will need to choose 2 representatives for the live debate rounds.
Schedule
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Qualifying Round
April 15, 2026 – Essays Due
April 20, 2026 – Break Announced
Top 8 essays qualify for the final debate rounds -
Finals – May 2, 2026 (Zoom)
6:00 PM ET – Quarterfinals
7:30 PM ET – Semifinals
9:00 PM ET – Finals
Topics
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Topics for Speech and Debate Categories
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Primary School Speech (ages 7–10): Schools should use AI Teachers.
(5-minute speech) -
Middle School Speech (ages 11–13): Governments should adopt a Universal Basic Income (UBI) to protect against AI-induced unemployment.
(7-minute speech) -
High School Speech (ages 14–18): We support the Future of Life Institute Statement on superintelligence.
(7-minute speech) -
Essay and Debate (any age): We support the Future of Life Institute Statement on superintelligence.
(1,500-word essay arguing either the Pro or the Con of the topic) -
Note: Citations and bibliographies do not count toward the word limit. Essays exceeding the limit will not be considered.
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Students may argue either side of the topic in their submission.
