On March 7–8, 2026, Riga Business School will host its first international university debate tournament, RBS IV, bringing together students from Latvia and across Europe for two days of intensive academic debate in the British Parliamentary format.
Organized by the Riga Business School Debate Club, the tournament aims to promote critical thinking, structured argumentation, and constructive dialogue among students while strengthening Riga Business School’s position as an internationally engaged and intellectually active academic environment.
What is British Parliamentary debating?
British Parliamentary (BP) debating is a globally recognized format used in university competitions worldwide, including the European and World Universities Debating Championships. Each debate features four teams of two speakers representing Government and Opposition positions. Participants receive limited preparation time to analyze complex political, economic, social, and ethical issues before presenting structured arguments and responding to opposing perspectives.
The format challenges students to think analytically under time pressure, communicate persuasively, and engage respectfully with competing ideas – competencies highly valued in modern professional and leadership contexts.
Tournament Structure
During the two-day event, participants will compete in five preliminary rounds, followed by semifinal and final debates featuring the highest-ranking teams. The tournament will be adjudicated by experienced judges from the Baltic and international debating community, ensuring high academic standards and fair evaluation.
In addition to competitive rounds, the event will include networking opportunities and social activities that encourage collaboration and exchange between students from different universities and countries.
Why this event matters
Debate tournaments create an environment in which students develop leadership, critical reasoning, and the ability to discuss complex issues in a structured and respectful manner. Participants gain transferable skills directly applicable in business, policymaking, consulting, and public administration – including analytical thinking, persuasive communication, teamwork, and decision-making under uncertainty.
RBS IV aims to become an annual international platform connecting academia, students, and industry partners, while contributing to the development of a strong culture of informed dialogue in the Baltic region.
Riga Business School welcomes partners and sponsors to support this initiative and help foster the next generation of thoughtful leaders and decision-makers.
