The youth debate organised on 30 May at Warsaw University of Technology was the fourth of seven planned events of the European Youth Debating Competition, organised by the European Petrochemical Association (EPCA) and PlasticsEurope.
Some 50 young people from 11 secondary schools from all over Poland discussed the crucial role that petrochemistry and plastics play in the digital age. The participants had the opportunity to debate on issues that are of high importance for the young generation: why petrochemistry is so important for today’s life and how plastics contribute to climate protection and sustainability. Students pointed out how indispensable and commonly used petrochemistry and plastic products are in areas such as transport, medicine, construction and packaging. They also discussed the challenges related to environmental issues, e.g. waste and littering habits with the development of better individual accountability and waste management systems. The debate was very vivid although also balanced. The arguments used by students showed their knowledge of the topic from different angles. For the jury, consisting of representatives of industry (BASF Polska, Sabic Poland, PKN Orlen), NGO and press the task of choosing the winners was not easy. Finally the three winners of debate in Warsaw were chosen:
1. Wiktor Skowroński, Niepubliczne Liceum Ogólnokształcące nr 40 w Warszawie
2. Kalina Spławska, XIV LO im. Stanisława Staszica (Warsaw)
3. Michalina Groszyk, Zespół Szkół Chemicznych i Przemysłu Chemicznego (Lublin)
They will represent Poland at the European Finals to be held in Berlin at the beginning of October, during the 51st EPCA Annual Meeting. More details as well photos from the event in Warsaw at www.plasticseurope.pl.