40 years, thousands of voices: The legacy of Concern Debates

The Co Antrim school’s eventual journey to the Concern Debates semi-finals in Dublin marked another chapter in a story that has helped tens of thousands of young people across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland find their voices.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the programme, the longest-running Global Citizenship Education initiative on the island of Ireland.

Established in 1984, the post-primary school debates have brought tens of thousands of secondary students together to argue motions on poverty, inequality, climate change, and other global issues.

“It’s an incredibly special year,” said Amelia Deehan, Concern’s Schools and Debates Officer in Northern Ireland. 

“The skills that students gain - learning to research, to argue respectfully, to recognise disinformation - are as important now in 2025 as they were when we began.”

While Cross and Passion College didn’t progress beyond the semis this year, they have been one of the strongest competitors, making history by winning the competition twice - in 1986 and 2016, exactly 30 years apart.

Between those landmark dates, the debates were temporarily suspended in Northern Ireland because of security concerns during the Troubles. But in 2015, Concern’s Campaigns Officer in Belfast at the time, Claire Hanna, helped to relaunch the debates north of the border. Claire herself went on to become an MLA at Stormont and is currently a Westminster MP.

Since its return, schools in Northern Ireland have continued to embrace the programme enthusiastically, with Cross and Passion College a consistent presence.

The six members of the school's 2016 winning team even travelled to Malawi to see Concern's programmes first-hand and meet communities. 

“Cross and Passion are a great example of the benefits the debates bring,” said Amelia. “Their continued involvement shows the value this has not just for students, but for whole school community.”

The only other Northern Ireland school to win the all-island competition was St Patrick’s Grammar, Co Armagh, in 1990.

Although students are the ones delivering speeches, the debates rely on a much wider network. Teachers mentor their teams, parents and grandparents listen to countless rehearsals at home, and volunteer adjudicators judge each round.

Concern currently has around 20 adjudicators in Northern Ireland, ranging from retired teachers to students and professionals. 

“The programme couldn’t run without them,” Amelia explained. “You don’t need specialist knowledge, just the ability to listen and mark fairly. That’s what makes it so accessible.”

This network of support means the debates often figure in family discussions and community life, making global issues like climate action or inequality relevant closer to home.

Debating may once have been viewed as a traditional extracurricular school activity, but organisers, like Amelia, argue its value is greater than ever. In an era of social media and polarised discourse, the ability to communicate face-to-face, evaluate evidence, and argue constructively has become essential.

“With the growth of technology and screen time, those interpersonal skills are more vital than they were 40 years ago,” Amelia said. 

“Debating teaches respect as much as rhetoric—you listen to both sides, you engage with perspectives you might not share, and you learn how to respond thoughtfully.”

The programme has also become known for the personal growth it fosters. Students who are hesitant to speak in class often develop the ability to hold the floor in front of packed audiences. 

“Some of the greatest success stories are the quieter students who discover their voice through debating,” said Amelia.

For many, this is the real reward. While alumni have gone on to careers in law, journalism, and politics, countless others carry the skills into everyday life, from leading local community projects to participating in civic discussions with confidence.

Now entering its fifth decade, the Concern Debates remain closely tied to Concern's mission of tackling poverty and inequality worldwide. By asking students to explore global issues and articulate their views, the programme aims to create not only skilled speakers but also active citizens.

“Historically, Northern Ireland has been insular,” said Amelia. “This gives young people a chance to think globally and see how interconnected the world really is. That perspective matters more than ever.”

From school assembly halls to parliamentary chambers, the Concern Debates in Northern Ireland have shown that when young people are prepared to debate difficult issues, they rise to the challenge. Forty years on, the message is the same as it was in 1984: their voices matter - and those voices can change the future.