Welcome to IASAS Speech and Debate 2026!

Dear IASAS Speech & Debate Delegates,

Welcome to this year’s IASAS Cultural Convention for Speech and Debate. We are truly honored to welcome you to Jakarta and hope you feel at home.

First and foremost, congratulations. Your presence here is the result of countless hours of preparation - researching, writing, rehearsing, revising, and stepping back into the arena again and again. That work matters, and you should be proud of what it took to get here.

At its heart, this conference is about communication: the ability to think clearly, listen deeply, articulate ideas with purpose, and engage respectfully with perspectives different from your own. While this weekend may feel like just one exciting moment in your high school journey, the skills you are practicing here - critical thinking, collaboration, empathy, persuasion, and confidence - will serve you long after the final round ends. These are skills for leadership, citizenship, and lifelong learning.

As you compete, I encourage you to make the most of every part of this experience. Challenge yourself in rounds, support your teammates, learn from your opponents, and take time to connect with students from across IASAS. Some of the most meaningful moments of this weekend will happen outside the competition rooms - in conversations, reflections, and shared experiences.

We are thrilled to have you here at JIS and hope you feel welcomed, supported, and inspired throughout the weekend. Compete with integrity, speak with courage, listen with respect, and enjoy every moment.

Best of luck, and welcome to IASAS Speech & Debate at JIS!

Warm regards,

Mike Cali
HS Activities Coordinator
Convention Director, IASAS Speech & Debate
Jakarta Intercultural School