The Department of Economics at Epoka University proudly announces the remarkable success of its students, Ami Hoxha and Redi Halidini, who emerged as the winners of this year’s “Debating Economics” competition, organized by Junior Achievement Albania (JAA). Following their outstanding victory, the Epoka debate team was invited to represent Albania at the prestigious IDEA Debate Exchange 2025, an international program organized by the International Debate Education Association (IDEA).
 

The event took place in Warsaw, Poland, from August 18 to 23, 2025, bringing together talented students and young leaders from across Europe for an immersive training and networking experience.
 

Following their success at the National University Debate Competition, Epoka’s winning team earned an exclusive opportunity to take part in the IDEA Debate Exchange 2025. This program offered students interactive training sessions, workshops, networking opportunities, and peer-exchange platforms, designed to enhance their skills in public speaking, critical thinking, and debate leadership.
 

The program was organized over four intensive days, offering a rich mix of training activities and collaborative learning opportunities:
 

Deep Dive Sessions — engaging discussions and planning on how to leverage opportunities from the European Solidarity Corps to support debate organizations;
 

Youth Project Exploration — participants explored ways to get involved in youth-led initiatives while also learning about the legal and bureaucratic frameworks that govern debate-related activities;
 

Workshops on Expanding Debate Culture — practical strategies on how to bring structured debates into schools, share knowledge with wider communities, and overcome common barriers faced by debate clubs;

 

Debate on a Wide Scale — an interactive session where participants shared experiences and learned best practices for scaling debate initiatives nationally and internationally;

 

Debate in the Age of AI — a forward-looking workshop exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping debate preparation, training methods, and persuasive communication techniques;
 

Networking and Collaboration — connecting with young debaters and trainers from across Europe to exchange diverse perspectives and build lasting partnerships.
 

Through these sessions, participants not only strengthened their debating and leadership skills but also gained valuable insights from fellow attendees who shared experiences, challenges, and innovative approaches to fostering a vibrant culture of discussion and dialogue.

A Tradition of Excellence, A Future of Leadership

The Department of Economics at Epoka University has long been a driving force behind student success, both nationally and internationally. Over the years, our students have consistently excelled in debate competitions, research forums, and youth-led initiatives, building a strong reputation for academic and extracurricular achievements.
 

This year’s victory at “Debating Economics” represents yet another milestone in this tradition of excellence. By combining academic rigor with practical experiences and active participation in international programs, the department continues to equip students with the knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills needed to succeed in an increasingly competitive and dynamic world.
 

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Epoka debate team for this exceptional achievement and wish them continued success as they showcase Epoka University’s excellence at the IDEA Debate Exchange 2025.