International Debate Education Association

IDEA promotes mutual understanding and democracy globally by supporting discussion and active citizenship locally.

Although IDEA operates globally, it places particular emphasis on those societies where democracy is in its infancy and where negotiated resolution to conflicts and cross-community dialogue are little-established concepts. By offering young people the opportunity to debate the important issues facing them, IDEA strives to cultivate and nurture an engaged, democratic citizenry, underscoring the notions of tolerance, international cooperation, and freedom of expression.

IDEA promotes its programs and its mission via a wide range of educational and strategic initiatives, from curriculum development and active citizenship training to international student exchanges and an annual, much-celebrated international youth forum. IDEA currently has offices registered in the Netherlands, the United States, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong and Belgium and is expanding its network to other regions of the world. IDEA’s debates take place in over 60 languages in over 50 countries throughout the world.

The IDEA network is comprised of several independent and separate legal entities working towards common non-profit goals and objectives. Each entity is governed by its articles of incorporation and its own Board of Directors.