Debate is a concept that involves not only public speaking, but also colorful discussion and argumentation. It is a family that welcomes individuals from all walks of life and with all levels of preparation in aim of creating a mixing pot that fosters healthy heated discussion. This exchange allows everyone to fight for their ideas and experience how it is to argue from both sides of a coin on drastically different topics from politics, religion or even inequality and social issues. Every debate union loves to tackle topics in an organized manner, but debate can also just be a way to blow off some steam in the middle of a heavy exam week or just a way to cool off anxiety.

This year, the Falcons Debate Union has taken a bold, new approach. It is fully student-run, with members coaching one another and exchanging constructive feedback in a collaborative atmosphere. The E-board this year includes President Anna Lipiec, the Vice President of Administration Alexandra Bessonova, the Vice President of Outreach, Anna Stathopoulou, and the Vice President of Finance, Catalin Botezat. This year we had to rearrange things and take a different approach to the organization of the team, as we have new members joining and old members leaving. Our Shalem and Shayan, with their extraordinary passion and dedication, helped us to take over and coach the beginner and intermediate practices as we also saw a rise of interest and participation in both sessions. It is an incredible journey maneuvering this year with all the new members who are passionate about learning and engaging and thus we had to stay focused on our goals as well.

Hearing the perspective of our President is crucial. To the question of how the Debate Union is different this year, Anna answered that “(The Debate Union is) fully student run this year, and thanks to that we believe we created a better sense of community, because it's from students, by students, to students. It's a completely different atmosphere, new people, and so far, it’s been great!”

The biggest goal of the year was that it was important for the new team to work. She added “We did achieve that. We have people regularly coming in every week. We're organizing both our events, and we're going to external events. So we're very much active, and we managed to preserve what has been both during the past several years, and I'm very proud of that."

Looking ahead, Anna expressed her commitment to leaving the union in good hands: "My goal for the future is to just leave the debate union in good hands before going on study away… I want to develop even more and be more active in the local community as well."

We participated in practice sessions but also in tournaments online and in person, with one of them being IIT Bombay 2024.

The NYUAD Debate Union's second journey to IIT Bombay for the 17th edition of its debate competition marked a significant milestone in the team's growth and development. From Oct. 17th to 20th, five budding and passionate debaters including myself (Joshua) represented NYU Abu Dhabi on an international stage, showcasing our skills and striking awe.

The IIT Bombay debate competition, now in its 17th year, has established itself as a prestigious and honorable platform and the largest competition in the Indian British Parliamentary circuit for young debaters. With the college’s rich history and reputation for rigorous intellectual practice, the event drew participants from colleges all over India and our very own NYUAD Debate Union.

Team Composition

NYUAD's contingent consisted of 2 pairs of teams and a single adjudicator: 1 - Cleopatra Chung (Class of 2028) and Joshua Isaac (Class of 2025) 2 - Adriana Romera (Class of 2026, NYU Shanghai study away student) and Harsh Kapoor (Class of 2027)

ADJ - David Foster (Class of 2027)

The IIT Bombay campus, located in the up and coming Powai area, impressed the NYUAD team with its sprawling green spaces and historic architecture. Exploring Mumbai captivated the team with its vibrant energy, proving its title as financial capital of India and the home of Bollywood cinema. From the aromatic street food, quaint cafes and diverse city construction, it collectively seemed to breathe life into every corner of the metropolis.

Reflecting on the experience, Cleo said: "IIT Bombay was not only a good debate experience but also a great cultural experience. It was my first time in India, with fun people, and my first formal debate with experienced debaters."

The competition came with its share of challenges. The teams navigated five intense rounds of debate, grappling with topics that spanned international politics to the cultural impact, such as choosing to be Brat or Demure. Each round tested their adaptability and insight, turning obstacles into valuable learning experiences.

Adriana, bringing her unique perspective as a study away student, noted: "As a visiting student from Shanghai, I’m incredibly grateful to NYUAD’s Debate Union for [giving me] the chance to compete in India’s largest BP [British Parliamentary] Debate. The experience was intense and thrilling, and as a novice debater, it pushed me far beyond my comfort zone—helping me grow and make wonderful friends along the way."

While the competition remained the centerpiece, the NYUAD team also seized the chance to connect with fellow debaters from across India. These exchanges went beyond the debate hall, spilling into explorations of the city and IIT Bombay’s sprawling 500-acre campus, as well as shared meals and stories.

Upon returning to Abu Dhabi, the team carried more than just memories of rigorous debates and fresh connections—they brought insights and experiences that will inform their strategies in future competitions and enrich their academic endeavors. For the NYUAD Debate Union, it was a signal experience, poised to shape their development as both debaters and judges.