The association was founded in 2017 by a group of young debating enthusiasts in Lithuania. Over time, it has developed into an independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting a culture of debate, strengthening critical thinking, and contributing to a more collaborative and engaged society in Lithuania and across Europe. The activities of “Jaunimo debatai” are wide-ranging and focus on facilitating debate and dialogue in various formats and languages, including Lithuanian, German and English. The association regularly organises public debates, workshops, trainings and information events that help young people learn how to express their views convincingly, defend them in a structured manner, and actively listen to different perspectives. Through these activities, the organisation aims to foster key skills such as public speaking, analytical reasoning and constructive engagement with social issues. Central to the association’s work is its involvement in both national and international projects, within which the key objectives remain combating the decline in political engagement among young people, promoting digital and media literacy, and contributing to the increasingly urgent debate on sustainability. Nationally, Jaunimo debatai has developed a Lithuanian debate structure and, in 2023, organised the first Lithuanian-language Youth Debate Competition, attracting students from across the country. The association also provides methodological materials and teacher support to help integrate debating into classroom practice. A flagship multi-day initiative is the Summer Academy (“Vasaros akademija”), held annually since 2020. This event brings together students and young professionals to explore a central theme through in-depth discussions, interactive sessions and exchanges with experts such as academics, artists, athletes and public figures. The Academy creates a supportive environment where participants sharpen their ability to present structured arguments, engage in critical dialogue, and deepen their understanding of complex societal topics. Today, Jaunimo debatai has grown substantially and counts nearly 100 members from Lithuania and other European countries, with its programmes reaching hundreds of young people each year. The association’s organisational structure comprises a president, a board of four members, an advisory committee and an active membership base.

“Jaunimo debatai” has accumulated substantial experience implementing educational and developmental projects for young people. A core dimension of this experience has been participation in “Erasmus+” initiatives, combining international cooperation with non-formal learning: The project “Debate Your Issue!” (2020–2021), carried out with partners from 5 European countries (incl. Poland), addressed declining youth engagement in politics by organising debates and exchange activities that encouraged young participants to explore diverse viewpoints. “Debate, not Argue” (2022–2024) further expanded the association’s educational impact by developing learning tools and methodological guides aimed at improving digital and media literacy. At present, the association is implementing an “Erasmus+” project titled “Debate and Decide”, aiming to introduce Lithuanian students with fewer opportunities to debating and to increase their engagement with human rights and sustainability issues. On a national level, the association engaged with sustainability topics in a more intense matter during the “(Ne)žalias” (2024), which invited youth, through workshop activities in the biggest Lithuania cities, to reflect on environmental impact. The association’s educational outreach is also reflected in its work with schools abroad: In collaboration with the Lithuanian school in Stockholm, “Jaunimo debatai” developed curricular materials and delivered debate training to support teachers and students in integrating debate formats into classroom practice. Nationally, the association has consolidated its experience in educational event delivery through initiatives like the “Lithuanian Youth Debate Competition” (since 2023), which invites upper-secondary students from across Lithuania to participate in debating tournaments. Alongside this competition, the association regularly organises workshops, public debates and discussion forums on topics ranging from European politics to social challenges, including the “Seimas Insider” simulation project (2021). A central educational format is the annual “Vasaros akademija”, a multi-day interdisciplinary forum that, since the year 2020, has gathered students and young professionals for in-depth thematic discussions, expert talks and interactive sessions.