Speaking 4 the Planet Pilot 2026: When Youth speak up for a sustainable future
Speaking 4 the Planet Pilot 2026 opens a national bilingual debating platform where Vietnamese students showcase critical thinking and a responsible voice on environmental issues, education, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
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As the world faces increasingly severe challenges related to climate change, biodiversity loss, and social inequality, the role of the younger generation in shaping a sustainable future is central.
From this spirit, the bilingual debating competition Speaking 4 the Planet Pilot 2026 has officially launched, creating a space for Vietnamese students to voice their opinions, demonstrate critical thinking, social responsibility, and a desire to act for a greener planet.
A debating platform for the environment and SDGs
Speaking 4 the Planet Pilot 2026 is a national bilingual English-Vietnamese debating competition for secondary and high school students. The competition focuses on developing core competencies of 21st-century global citizens, such as critical thinking, debating, leadership skills, and the ability to inspire action, aligned with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The program, co-organised by NatureWize Vietnam and Havina Group, aims to empower young people to share their perspectives, propose solutions, and spread inspiration for environmental and sustainable development action. More than just a debating competition, the program is designed as a journey of learning, experiencing, and leading change, where the voices of young people are heard and respected.
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| Speaking 4 the Planet Pilot 2026 opens a national bilingual debating platform where Vietnamese students showcase critical thinking and a responsible voice on environmental issues, education, and the Sustainable Development Goals. |
Education – The foundation of a sustainable world
The first round – the video submission round – officially began in December 2025 and will conclude on January 25, 2026. Each participating team will submit a video of up to 5 minutes presenting their views on the theme:
"Education is the Foundation of a Sustainable World".
The unique aspect of this round is that it does not require props, presentations, or complex technical effects. The judges focus on listening to the ideas, arguments, and emotions conveyed through the language and thinking of the contestants themselves. This approach encourages students to delve deeper into thinking, connecting the role of education with environmental, social, and sustainable development issues in today's global context.
To support the contestants, the organisers commit to waiving all participation fees and will hold two key workshops on debating skills and effective video production, helping students prepare thoroughly and confidently before submitting their entries.
Opening the door to international integration for Vietnamese youth voices
One of the notable highlights of Speaking 4 the Planet Pilot 2026 is the opportunity to reach the international stage. The most outstanding contestant will receive full sponsorship to attend the Youth Environmental Education Congress 2026 in Perth. This forum for young leaders and environmental education initiatives provides Vietnamese students with the opportunity to broaden their horizons, engage internationally, and share their sustainable ideas with the global community.
Diverse awards with long-lasting impact
In addition to the international opportunity, the competition offers a practical domestic award system, including participation certificates, free Public Speaking courses, professionally produced presentation videos, and numerous prizes, scholarships, and cash awards for teams reaching the national finals, scheduled to take place in Hanoi in March 2026.
From voice to action
Speaking 4 the Planet Pilot 2026 is not merely a competition to win awards. The program is expected to serve as a platform for the voices of Vietnamese youth to be heard, contributing to increased awareness about education, environmental protection, social equality, and sustainable development. Through debating, students not only learn how to present their views but also develop the ability to think responsibly, gradually forming a spirit that is ready to act for the community and a shared future.
Contestants and parents can register to participate according to the official instructions from the organisers here.
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