Based on the extremely successful 2016 and 2017 editions of the European Youth Debating Competition (www.eydc.eu), EYDC is now back for 2018. EPCA (the European Petrochemical Association) and PlasticsEurope once again partner up to organize a series of debating competitions for 500 students in Europe to take place between April and October 2018. Nine countries will be hosting the National Finals: Belgium or the Netherlands for a joint “Benelux” Finals, Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
Some 50 youngsters between 16 and 19 years old from different schools and universities will participate in each country in these debates. The European Finals 2018 will take place in Vienna on Monday 8th October 2018 in the afternoon with a maximum of 30 previously selected winners from the National Finals, during the EPCA 52nd Annual Meeting that will be held from 7th to 10th October 2018.
The EYDC is a multifaceted educational initiative designed to give young people a unique opportunity to acquire new skills by expressing themselves and interacting in a convincing way about industry linked topics; and for our industry to connect with the new generation, listen and learn about their views. This year’s debate touches upon the topic: “Living, learning, working and moving in Smart Cities of the future: with or without plastics and petrochemicals?”.
How will we live tomorrow in the Cities of the future or “Smart Cities” engaged in a sustainable transition process? Will mobility in smart cities of the future be completely interconnected? Will the drones be delivering our goods? Will the current workplace and educational environment still exist? What will the contribution of plastics and petrochemicals be in our houses, cars and the environment?
For the participants of the EYDC, in-depth research and preparation as well as high standard of debating skills and techniques and the ability to interact with each other are necessary for the front-lines of the debate. In the end, EPCA and PlasticsEurope expect again some fruitful outcome from this year EYDC!