There are four discussion topics for Festival 2026. Take a look at the details below.
Resources will be available to download from their publish dates.
The Winter Games: talent or technology?
From smart skis to data-tracking suits, technology is reshaping the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. Coaches can analyse every movement, and athletes can use advanced gear to boost performance. But which technologies promote better competition and which risks overshadowing natural human skill?
Published: Monday, January 26th 2026
Lowering the voting age
The UK government has committed to lowering the voting age to 16 for all elections. This change will add almost 1.5 million new young voters. In many countries, 16-year-olds have been able to vote for years. How might this shift affect elections – and who holds the power?
Published: Monday, February 2nd 2026
International aid: what's the best way forward?
International aid is when donor countries give money, resources or support to help other nations tackle big problems. In 2025, several donor countries reduced their aid budgets, even though many nations that have received aid for decades are still struggling. The situation isn’t straightforward. How are these decisions made? And what is the best way forward?
Published: Monday, February 9th 2026
NATO: friends forever
In January 2026, the alliance between NATO (the North Atlantic Treaty Organization) and the United States reached boiling point. After US President Donald Trump demanded the US take control of Greenland and threatened high tariffs on European allies, long-standing trust was shaken. In this lesson, students will explore why alliances matter, why they can break down and how countries balance shared history with modern national interests. What is the future of this special relationship? And what happens when partners no longer agree?
Published: Monday, February 16th 2026
Use this lesson to support students to plan and create their Standpoints. To be entered into the competition, please submit Standpoint entries before March 6th. After this date, Standpoints will be published on the Hub but not entered into the competition.
Published: Monday, February 23rd 2026