Cork for second hosting of world debate event
About 1,000 delegates from more than 40 countries are expected to attend the 29th annual World Universities’ Debating Championships 2009.
Billed as one of the largest conference-type events to be held in Ireland in 2008/’09, it is estimated to be worth more than €2m to the Cork economy.
The event will run for eight days during the 2009 new year period.
It will be jointly hosted by the law and philosophical societies of University College Cork.
A huge undertaking, up to 90 rooms will be needed to accommodate the debating and briefing meetings.
UCC last hosted the event in 1996, when a motion was passed which led to the creation of the competition rules that now exist. There had been controversy over the rules, but the world council for the Cork event decided to standardise the rules to the British parliamentary style, rather than allow the host to decide the style.
In 1992, the Irish hosts were Trinity College Dublin — a university noted for its debates and where the 18th Century orator Edmund Burke was a student.
Confirmation of UCC as host was unanimously ratified at a meeting of the world governing council in Bangkok, Thailand.
The event, which the Irish Examiner is supporting, is the largest academic competition in the world.
The bidding process for the 2009 championships began over a year ago with preparation of initial bid materials, building up to the final confirmation on New Year’s Day in Bangkok.
* Information available at www.CorkWorlds2009.com
