Scholars' Debate

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The Scholars' Debate has been a key element of the calendar for over 10 years. During this time there have been great many memorable debates focusing on a wide variety of issues from free speech to human rights, climate change to  terrorism and everything in between.

Whatever the topic, the aim of the Scholars' Debate is to generate a unique, interdisciplinary and policy-orientated discussion of topical issues of international significance, as well as developing the Scholars’ skills of collaboration, organisation and initiative.

The Annual WHT Scholars Debate 2024 took place on Wednesday 13 March and was streamed live from the Oxford Union.

Eight scholars from India, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Syria, South Korea, and Ukraine debated the motion:

"This House believes that individuals should bear responsibility for the actions of their government."

The Annual WHT Scholars Debate 2023 took place on Wednesday 15 March.

Eight of our scholars from India, Mexico, Poland, Guatemala, Russia, Ghana, and Colombia debated the motion:

"This House believes that acting on the climate crisis is the responsibility of developed nations only."

The WHT debate allowed me to push my boundaries of critical thinking and engage in meaningful conversation with my peers. Not only did we debate each other but we were also met with challenging questions from the audience. The theme required each one of us to rethink our personal freedoms and what changes we would make for the sake of our community be it in Covid response or climate change mitigation. Overall, I am glad of the opportunity to be a part of this debate and thankful to WHT and my peers for organising it.

Sara Rahim (2021-22),
Afghanistan,
MSc Economics for Development,
Hertford College,
Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann