On February 21–22, the International Information Technology University (IITU) hosted the annual debate tournament "IITU DEBATE CUP XII," bringing together 40 teams from leading higher education institutions and city schools. Traditionally, the tournament serves as an intellectual platform for the development of public speaking skills, critical thinking, and a culture of reasoned discussion among the youth .
The debate tournament featured teams from IITU, KIMEP, KazUIR&WL (Inyaz), Satbayev University, Turan, and SDU, as well as school teams from Gymnasium No. 27, School-Lyceum No. 165, Shokan Ualikhanov School, Baiterek Private School, and other educational institutions. The active participation of school teams is particularly noteworthy, reflecting a growing interest in the debate movement among students.
Over the course of two days, participants demonstrated a high level of preparation, analytical thinking, public speaking skills, and the ability to defend their positions with well-reasoned arguments. The tournament rounds were held in a tense yet constructive atmosphere, fostering the exchange of opinions and the development of intellectual dialogue.
Following the results of the tournament, Rusalina Razieva and Arkhat Turgangaliuly emerged as the winners. Second place went to Konys Aituar and Tagaibekov Aldiyar, while Amir Otakara and Alibek Khaidar took third place. Fourth place was secured by the team "Domain Expansion," consisting of Kaden Zhangir and Seifullina Madiss.
In the tournament's special nominations, Arina Lepekhina (KIMEP) was recognized as the Best Judge, and Arkhat Turgangaliuly as the Best Speaker. In the Novice Final, Asylbek Irbaev (IITU) and Shiknyaev Marat (Gymnasium No. 94) distinguished themselves, with the title of Best Novice Speaker awarded to Shiknyaev Marat.
"IITU DEBATE CUP XII" reaffirmed its status as one of the university's significant intellectual events, aimed at shaping leadership qualities, developing academic culture, and supporting youth initiatives. The university expresses its gratitude to the participants, judges, and organizers for the high level of the tournament and their contribution to the development of the debate movement.
