The Panama Canal continues to beckon new ideas, dialogue, and global youth talent and reaffirms this commitment by welcoming the official opening of the World Schools Debating Championship 2025 (WSDC), an event that unites more than 550 young people from 59 countries to debate topics related to society, economics, politics, the environment, and other issues of global interest.
The opening ceremony took place today, Thursday, July 24, 2025, at the Ascanio Arosemena Training Center Auditorium and was attended by national and international authorities, including cabinet ministers, institutions, and representatives from multilateral organizations.
This youth championship marks the beginning of a series of events that position Panama as an epicenter of critical thinking and intercultural dialogue. WSDC 2025 is co-organized by the Panama Canal and the Panamanian Debate Association (ASPADE), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth through debate as a tool for educational and social transformation.
In his remarks, José Ramón Icaza, Minister for Canal Affairs and Chairman of the Board of Directors, stated that, “Although the canal’s nature is to connect oceans, continents, people, and possibilities, today, we are doing the same through the power of dialogue and debate. In this international event, you will shape ideas that have the potential to build bridges of understanding and collective action for a sustainable future.”
Meanwhile, Canal Administrator Ricaurte Vásquez Morales emphasized, “The flow of knowledge we will witness in this competition will be nearly as powerful as the flow of water that moves ships through the canal. This is a great opportunity in which Panama serves as a meeting point. That is the most important role our country has played for centuries: Allowing cultures, nationalities, and people to meet here in Panama to create a much better world for all.”
“Debate builds bridges between people who didn’t know they had anything in common. Today, Panama is not just the country of the canal. Panama is also home to critical thinking, the exchange of ideas, and transformative debate,” said Alejandro Espino representing ASPADE.
The opening program featured traditional cultural performances and speeches from special guests who highlighted Panama’s commitment to education, youth empowerment, and cultural diplomacy.
About the WSDC
The World Schools Debating Championship is an annual competition for teams of high school students from around the world. It began in 1988 in Australia with only six participating countries. Today, it brings together teams from more than 50 nations. Each country sends a team of five students (including one alternate) who debate in multiple rounds until a jury selects the winning team.
For more information about the format and structure of the competition, visit the official website: Home | WSDC (World Schools Debating Championships)
