INITIUM 2026
THINK. DEBATE. CHALLENGE. LEAD.
SESSION 1 - THE WORLD IS YOUR MOTION
Understanding Disarmament, War & Deterrence
What does it take to prevent a war? Can having more weapons create peace? And who pays the price when countries choose conflict?
In our first Initium session, we take the big ideas behind “Disarmament, War and Deterrence” and make them simple, relatable and fun. You will explore real-world questions, take part in interactive challenges, share your own views and discover that you already have the ability to think about some of the world’s toughest problems.
With an opportunity to hear from an expert guest speaker, this session will help you connect global events with your own ideas and opinions.
What you’ll get
Understand the year’s theme without the complicated jargon
Learn to look at global issues from different perspectives
Share and defend your ideas
Start thinking like a debater
Format
Online. Interactive discussion + expert conversation + mini debate challenge
SESSION 2 - WELCOME TO THE DEBATE CHAMBER
Your First Introduction to British Parliamentary Debate
Eight speakers. Four teams. One motion. And you don’t even get to choose which side you’re on!
Welcome to British Parliamentary debating, the format you’ll encounter at FNF 2026.
In this session, we’ll break BP down into something you can understand and enjoy. You’ll discover what Opening Government, Opening Opposition, Closing Government and Closing Opposition mean, what each speaker does, and how a debate moves from the first speech to the final one.
No need to be a debate expert. No need to memorize complicated rules. We’ll learn by seeing, doing and speaking.
What you’ll get
Understand the eight-speaker BP format
Discover the role of each team and speaker
Learn how to think and respond on the spot
Try your first short BP-style speaking challenge
Format
Online. Interactive BP workshop + role-play + rapid speaking challenge
SESSION 3 - BUILD AN ARGUMENT THAT SURVIVES ATTACK
From “I Think” to “Here’s Why”
Having an opinion is easy. Convincing someone else is the real skill.
In this session, you will learn how to turn a simple opinion into a strong argument, explain why it matters, and respond when someone challenges your point.
Through games, quick challenges and real debate examples, we’ll explore how good debaters build arguments, find the most important impacts and respond to the strongest points on the other side.
You’ll also get to test your skills with motions connected to technology, conflict and the issues shaping the world around you.
What you’ll get
Learn how to build a clear, persuasive argument
Practice rebuttal without getting stuck
Learn to ask the most important question: “So what?”
Understand what makes an argument matter to a judge
Format
Online. Argument-building workshop + rebuttal games + mini debate
SESSION 4 - FNF DEBATE LAB
From Training Room to Tournament
You’ve learned the theme. You’ve learned BP. You’ve built arguments.
In this session, you will learn how to turn a simple opinion into a strong argument, explain why it matters, and respond when someone challenges your point.
Through games, quick challenges and real debate examples, we’ll explore how good debaters build arguments, find the most important impacts and respond to the strongest points on the other side.
You’ll also get to test your skills with motions connected to technology, conflict and the issues shaping the world around you.
What you’ll get
Experience a live BP-style debate
Learn how to prepare under time pressure
Work strategically with your teammate
Practice speaking, rebutting and responding
Receive feedback from experienced adjudicators
Format
Online. Simulated BP debate + adjudication + live feedback + lightning rounds