Jugend debattiert: Landesfinales 2026

As part of the WDC 2026, a special edition of the state finals of Jugend debattiert is taking place. The focus is on fair debate, clear argumentation and democratic competencies. The best students from the regional debates will compete in the plenary chamber of the Hessian State Parliament (Hessischer Landtag) in Wiesbaden for the Hessian state championship and a place in the national finals.

Jugend debattiert directly connects to Design for Democracy, placing the future of design—whether of democracy or of the design discipline itself—at the center. Arguments for and against a yet-to-be-announced topic will be explored in a lively debate in front of students in the Hessian State Parliament.

• Youth Debates
• Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is patron
• Non-profit Hertie Foundation
• Heinz Nixdorf Foundation
• Hessian State Parliament and Hessian Ministry of Culture, Education and Opportunities
• Funding from the Federal Ministry of Education, Family, Seniors, Women and Youth