Konstantinos Stephanopoulos,
Former President of the Hellenic Republic

It is with great pleasure that I accepted the role of the Patron of the World Schools Debating Championships, which will be held in Athens, in February 2009. I believe that argumentation, an essential element of persuasive speaking and of the art of oratory, is a crucial element of any democratic process.

It is also a basic skill so that we can address, with the aid of logic, issues of global importance which affect the future of human society. I very much look forward to welcoming the teams of so many nations to Athens and have no doubt that the tournament will be a wonderful experience for all these involved.