The Debate and Discussion Club (DDC) at Dr Rajendra Prasad National Law University, Prayagraj (RPNLU) is inviting registrations to its first international debate competition on the topic 'United Nations (UN) has failed in maintaining international peace and security.'

The competition provides a platform to present rigorous arguments, insightful perspectives, and a challenge to the conventional understanding of international governance.

The UN Charter outlines maintaining international peace, promoting friendly relations among nations, facilitating global cooperation on key issues, and ensuring collective action toward shared goals.

However, major global conflicts like Syrian civil war, Afghanistan crisis, Ukraine-Russia war, and Israel-Palestine war, illustrate its limited counter aggression.

The UN faces criticism, especially regarding the veto power held by the five permanent members of the Security Council, which often obstructs decisive action. As calls for restructuring grow louder, this debate aims to ponder on the question of whether the organization will evolve to meet the demands of an increasingly complex world, or will its limitations lead to a shift in international governance?

Under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor, RPNLU Prayagraj, Senior Prof (Dr) Usha Tandon, the DDC is flourishing as a dynamic platform that nurtures critical thinking, effective communication, and intellectual engagement among students.

Every Thursday, the DDC hosts debates and discussions on diverse contemporary topics, encouraging participants to explore multiple perspectives and refine their argumentation skills.

Important Dates

• Event notification: June 10, 2025

• Last date of registration: July 20, 2025

• Declaration of selected teams: July 25, 2025

• Debate day: August 30, 2025

Selection criteria to shortlist teams

Participants will be selected on

• First-come, first-serve basis,

• Geographical diversity, and

• Inclusivity

General Guidelines

• Language: The debate will be conducted in English.

• Team composition: Each University is allowed to send only one team to compete, and only a maximum of 14 teams will be selected. Each team will have two speakers: one will argue in favour of the motion, and the other will argue against it.

• Speech duration: Each speaker will be given 4 minutes to present their arguments. A 1-minute grace period will be given after the 4-minute speech time to conclude the argument.

• Speaking order: The order in which each team's speaker will present will be determined by a pre-event draw.

• Question-Answer (Q&A) round: Structured interjection: Following each speech, there will be a structured interjection round.

• Questioning: Within this 1-minute interjection period, any member of the opposing teams or judges can ask one question.

• Response: The speaker must respond to the question concisely within 2 minutes.

• Time Management: Participants must adhere to the allocated time for their speeches and the Q&A round. Exceeding this time will lead to deduction of marks or disqualification, depending on the judges’ discretion.

Note: Further rules and regulations will be shared before the commencement of the competition.

Rules and Regulations

• Screening: Maximum of 14 teams will be shortlisted based on the selection criteria.

• Format: The debate adheres to the classical format with a twist.

• Eligibility: Undergraduate law students currently enrolled in any Indian or foreign University.

• Rounds: There will be two rounds, Preliminary and Final Round

Preliminary Round: The debate will begin with a preliminary round where all teams will compete. Topic for preliminary round is ‘UN has failed in maintaining international peace and security’.

Final Round: The top two teams from the preliminary round will advance to the final round. In the finale, teams will receive the topic on the spot. 20 minutes on the clock will be given to prepare for the topic. Teams may use mobile phones, laptops, and other resources to aid their preparation. Each team will be assigned to speak either for or against the motion. This assignment will be determined on the spot through a draw of lots.

Venue:

Academic Block, Dr Rajendra Prasad National Law University, Prayagraj, Phaphamau, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India

Prizes

• Best Team: ₹50,000

• Runner Up: ₹20,000

• Best Speaker: ₹5,000

Registration and Fees

• Indian Participants: ₹750

• International Participants: $10

• Registration fees will be non-refundable.

• It covers modest accommodation on need basis, meals, stationery, etc.

• Participants must bear their own travel expenses.

Register by completing this Google Form (Before the registration, kindly take the screenshot of the payment to upload in the registration form)

Bank Details

A/C No.: 50100590400732

Name: Dr. R P National Law University Prayagraj

IFSC Code: HDFC0000226

Branch: HDFC BANK, 18-A, S.P. Marg, Civil Lines, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh

For further inquiry please contact ddc@rpnlup.ac.in

or

Contact Stuti Mishra: +91 8604058142, Tashu Singh: +91 8957371243, Aditya Dixit: +91 7453801515, Suryansh Mishra: +91 7275857870

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