UWC Maastricht shines at Regional Debate Competition

February 25, 2026

Our students took part in the regional preliminary round of De Stem van Jong Nederland, a national debate and speech platform for young people across the Netherlands.

We are incredibly proud to share that the UWC Maastricht team finished second in their pool after a day filled with team debates, 1 on 1 rounds and powerful speeches. All of our students did an outstanding job. Debating in Dutch, a language that for many is not their first, and operating as a team, they showed UWC Maastricht at its very best!

A special congratulations to two members of the team:

• Luka, who was selected for the All Star debate and had the opportunity to debate the parliamentary group leader of political party SP Limburg
• Balsam, who won the ‘V-rede’ category with her inspiring speech about peace. She will now represent Limburg in the final national round of the V-rede

Events like these truly bring our mission to life: empowering young people to use dialogue, courage and critical thinking to build a more peaceful and sustainable world.