Press Release	​​​​​​
The National Election Broadcasting Debates Commission Supports the 40th Austral-Asian Intervarsity Debating Championship =  Providing an Arena for Exchange and Cooperation with Global Organizations Specialized in Debates =

The National Election Broadcasting Debates Commission has announced that it will support the 40th Australasian Intervarsity Debating Championships, also known as Australs, that takes place in Woosong University for nine days from July 15th to 23rd.

As the second largest debate competition in the world with a long history, the Debating Championship marks the 40th anniversary this year. This is the second time it has taken place in the Republic in Korea, the first being in 2011 when it was held at Chung-Ang University.

360 debaters from 50 universities originating from 12 countries will form teams of three representing their schools. Each team goes through qualifying eight rounds and then advances to the main tournament to win the championship.

Mr. Chung-hee, Chairperson of the Broadcasting Debates Commission, said that the Commission plans to take this opportunity to advertise the development of Korean elections during the nation’s history and the activities of the Broadcasting Debates Commission, as well as to raise the awareness of fair elections and democracy. In addition, through the organic partnerships with debate organizations from other countries, the Commission will strengthen the foundation of a mature debate culture for democratic citizens.

1. Overview

• Date: July 15, 2015 (Wed) ~ July 23 (Thurs) (9 days)

• Location: Woosong University (Daejon, hosted in collaboration with SolBridge International School of Business)

• Target Group: Oceania and Asian students from countries around Asia, Australia and New Zealand
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The second largest and most famous debate competition in world, with 50 delegations from 12 countries expected to participate.

2. Competition Outline

• 500 participants including competitors, judges and competition organizers.

3. Participants

• Participation Overview 

I. Competitors: 360 students in 120 teams from 50 universities across 12 countries

III. Organization Staff: Over 150

• Main Participants and Universities

4. Steering Committee and Judging Committee

• Steering Committee

I. Chairperson: Joe Iesue (USA)

• Judging Committee

I. Chairpeople: Joshua Park (Republic of Korea), Gemma Buckley (Australia)

II. Vice-Chairpeople: Including Daryl Louis Isla (Philippines), Mai Mokhsein (Malaysia), Joanna Connolly (Austrlia)