A Clash of Arguments: Young Debaters Take on AI in a Memorable Final

Christina Konsta and Danae Sakkou were crowned Champion Team at Anatolia’s 3rd Annual Junior Debate Tournament after a thrilling final round. Twelve teams competed throughout the day, with eight outstanding speakers advancing to the Finals.

The final motion, “This House supports predictive policing,” challenged students to engage with the ethical and practical implications of artificial intelligence in law enforcement. To frame the debate, senior debaters Annie Zountza and Kelly Oikonomou of the student-run AI Ambassadors Club delivered a short presentation on how AI systems are currently used by policing forces worldwide.

In a closely contested round, Christina and Danai faced Anna Diolatzi, Leoni Gymnopoulou, Roxani Chatzopoulou, Rafaila Tsiloni, Ariadni Kasapi, and Chrysanthi Panteleon Nikolaou. The award for Best Overall Speaker was shared by Leoni Gymnopoulou and Rafaela Tsiloni.

The tournament was organized by IB2 students Aline Kosmidou and Chrysa Matziari and hosted by Annie Zountza, with the support of Senior Debate Coaches Andy Harrison and Eva Chatzipappidou and Young Debaters Coaches Elisa Spati and Ben MacLellan.

Launched in 2024 as an IB CAS project, the Junior Debate Tournament has quickly become a vibrant senior-led tradition, strengthening the bridge between the Young Debaters Club and the High School Debate Team.