Ellwanger student Valbona Hoti wins at the federal final Youth debates!

Ellwanger student Valbona Hoti wins at the federal final Youth debates!

Ellwangen, Deutschland - Valbona Hoti, a 16-year-old student of the St. Gertrudis grammar school in Ellwangen, won this year's federal final of “Jugend debated” in age group 10 to 13. The event took place in Berlin from June 5 to 7, 2025 and the debate had on the subject: "Should a national authority be set up to defend disinformation?" Hoti convinced the jury by dealing with the topic and its clear argument. The jury particularly praised its ability to explain complex facts in an understandable manner and to illuminate various perspectives. Schwäbische Post reports .

Your preparations began with the winning of the regional competition, according to which she prepared for the state qualification with other participants from Baden-Württemberg. Two central topics were discussed in this: the renaming of street names with a military reference and the reduction of the number of public-law television programs. Valbona and her co-debatters, including Leonard Lutz, qualified for the final round in the state parliament of Baden-Württemberg, where the introduction of a compulsory insurance against elementary damage was discussed. Valbona and Leonard prevailed and thus reached the federal level. Their important message about the importance of debate culture, democracy education and discourse could not be more relevant in view of the current discourse tiredness, which is reinforced by crises such as pandemic and climate change. Schwäbische reported .

an offspring for the debate culture

The participants of the federal final, including Valbona Hoti, take part in an academy week that further promotes their rhetorical skills. You will also be part of the alumni program by "Jugend debated". This initiative, supported by the Federal President as well as various foundations and ministries, pursues the goal of strengthening the discussion culture in schools and promoting democratic participation. The knowledge of the importance of discourse in a democratic society is more important than ever, especially in view of the challenges that our society is facing.

in times of debate fatigue caused by the often emotionally charged discussions after two years of pandemic, it is crucial to promote a polyphonic discussion. Experts argue that high demands on a fact -based discourse are necessary, which is passionately and committed, but not hostile. The need to re -learn the art of argue is essential in view of the social challenges such as the climate crisis and geopolitical tensions. Deutschlandfunk emphasizes that a democracy lives as long as everyone has the opportunity to talk and listen.

The development of media literacy among the population is crucial in order to counteract the dominance of outrage and the devaluation of various views in public discourses. The exemplary commitment of Valbona Hoti and her generation shows that they are willing to work for a dynamic and including debate culture. Information on this process of knowledge and the initiative "Jugend Debatted" are available at www.jugend-debattet.de.