Tackling Youth Political Polarization
PAGPC
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PAGPC ===
We are an independent, student-led tournament aimed at bridging the political divide among the youth.
By encouraging students to step outside their ideological comfort zones, we blend creativity with articulate dialogue to foster empathy and reinstate structural compromise across our generation.
Welcome to the Pan-American Gubernatorial Primaries Competition!
If you are interested in how our competition operates, please click the button below for details.
Upcoming Event Location
FitzGerald Debate Chamber, UCD
23rd of October, 2026 - 6:00pm - 9:00pm
We are a strictly non-partisan, nonprofit initiative, and we do not seek funding in any capacity.
Our competitions are completely free for all students to partake in.
With Special Guest:
Barry Andrews MEP
Interested in participating?
Please scroll down to register
[Registration has closed]
You can download the debate quesions by clicking below!
With Special Guest:
Barry Andrews MEP
PAGPC
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PAGPC ===
“Queen’s University Belfast is pleased to endorse the aims of the Pan-American Gubernatorial Primaries competition (PAGPC).
The focus on civil discourse, critical thinking and engagement with diverse perspectives aligns with our Student Success framework and our commitment to enabling students to develop the confidence, skills and resilience to prepare them for the next stage of their journey, navigate challenges, adapt to change and shape their futures.
This student-led initiative offers a valuable opportunity for participants to strengthen their capabilities, broaden their perspectives and contribute positively to society as informed and responsible global citizens. We wish the organisers every success with the inaugural competition.”
“Queen’s University Belfast is pleased to endorse the aims of the Pan-American Gubernatorial Primaries competition (PAGPC).
The focus on civil discourse, critical thinking and engagement with diverse perspectives aligns with our Student Success framework and our commitment to enabling students to develop the confidence, skills and resilience to prepare them for the next stage of their journey, navigate challenges, adapt to change and shape their futures.
This student-led initiative offers a valuable opportunity for participants to strengthen their capabilities, broaden their perspectives and contribute positively to society as informed and responsible global citizens. We wish the organisers every success with the inaugural competition.”
- Queen’s University Belfast
Research University in Belfast, Northern Ireland
"The UCD Politics and International Relations Society is proud to host the first Pan American Gubernatorial Primaries Competition in our Fitzgerald Debating Chamber. This student society is politically neutral and supports efforts such as these to reduce polarisation and promote respectful diverse discourse in times such as these. We wish the PAGPC and it's Committee all the best success in this competition and in the future"
- UCD POLSOC
Politics And International Relations Student Society at University College Dublin
“At a time of deep disenchantment with formal political institutions, I welcome this important student initiative promoting dialogue across different political and intellectual traditions.”
“Creating a forum for critical and informed dialogue allows young people the space and time to address the root causes of political alienation in a safe way; it also enables them to understand and address the profound global injustices that generate political disengagement in the first instance. It is only through dialogue and cooperation that humanity can identify ways of promoting peace and security in the world, not only for the powerful but also for the vulnerable. Young people are the future of global solidarity.”
“Never has it been more important for us to learn how to disagree more agreeably. Constructive and non personalised debate is the bedrock of a healthy democracy.
All efforts to further this should be endorsed and supported.”
- Professor Kathleen Lynch
Full Professor of Equality Studies, Emerita, University College Dublin
“Never has it been more important for us to learn how to disagree more agreeably. Constructive and non personalised debate is the bedrock of a healthy democracy.
All efforts to further this should be endorsed and supported.”
- Neale Richmond
Minister of State for International Development & Diaspora
“Supporting bipartisan efforts is crucial for the future of democracy, as is encouraging students to engage directly with the political process. I’m proud to endorse the work being done at PAGPC to help bridge our divides and get folks to be more openminded to new ideas.”
- ‘Mr.’ Matt Beat
Dole Fellow, Teacher & History YouTuber (@iammrbeat) (@mattbeatgoeson)
“Young people deserve opportunities to discuss difficult issues, question ideas and learn from one another. Through my advocacy for women’s rights, I have seen how important it is for people to have a voice and to participate equally in public life. I welcome PAGPC’s aim of encouraging respectful, informed dialogue, and I am pleased to support youth civic participation grounded in equality, human dignity and respect for women’s rights.”
- Mahbooba Faiz
Lawyer & Women’s Rights Activist
"Encouraging young people to engage in respectful, inclusive politics is only to be for the good of our Democracies which are under profound threat in these times.
Different views and perspectives will always be a feature of our humanity but learning to live with that with respect and tolerance will help create a better world. In that respect I welcome this initiative and wish it the very best for the future.”
- Councillor Dermot Lacey
Councillor, former Lord Mayor of Dublin & Member of the European Committee of the Regions
“Our ability to intelligently debate and come to consensus on a myriad of existential issues is critical. Challenges such as climate change will require constructive dialogue across ideological lines to formulate effective long-term solutions.”
- Douglas Ballotti
Senior Executive and Environmental Scientist, US Environmental Protection Agency (retired)
“I welcome this timely initiative by PAGPC. Democracy cannot be taken for granted. Choosing to remain in the comfort of certainty is not an option. Democracy is best served by a recognition of our common humanity and respect for difference. I thank all those involved in this project, the organisers and those who will take part.”
- Jim Holloway
Former Mayor of Navan, Councillor & Teacher
- UCD POLSOC
Politics And International Relations Student Society at University College Dublin
- Neale Richmond
Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora
“At a time of deep disenchantment with formal political institutions, I welcome this important student initiative promoting dialogue across different political and intellectual traditions.
Creating a forum for critical and informed dialogue allows young people the space and time to address the root causes of political alienation in a safe way; it also enables them to understand and address the profound global injustices that generate political disengagement in the first instance. It is only through dialogue and cooperation that humanity can identify ways of promoting peace and security in the world, not only for the powerful but also for the vulnerable. Young people are the future of global solidarity.”
“At a time of deep disenchantment with formal political institutions, I welcome this important student initiative promoting dialogue across different political and intellectual traditions.
Creating a forum for critical and informed dialogue allows young people the space and time to address the root causes of political alienation in a safe way; it also enables them to understand and address the profound global injustices that generate political disengagement in the first instance. It is only through dialogue and cooperation that humanity can identify ways of promoting peace and security in the world, not only for the powerful but also for the vulnerable. Young people are the future of global solidarity.”
“Supporting bipartisan efforts is crucial for the future of democracy, as is encouraging students to engage directly with the political process. I’m proud to endorse the work being done at PAGPC to help bridge our divides and get folks to be more openminded to new ideas.”
“Young people deserve opportunities to discuss difficult issues, question ideas and learn from one another. Through my advocacy for women’s rights, I have seen how important it is for people to have a voice and to participate equally in public life. I welcome PAGPC’s aim of encouraging respectful, informed dialogue, and I am pleased to support youth civic participation grounded in equality, human dignity and respect for women’s rights.”
- Councillor Dermot Lacey
Councillor, former Lord Mayor of Dublin & Member of the European Committee of the Regions
- ‘Mr.’ Matt Beat
Dole Fellow, Educator & History YouTuber (@iammrbeat) (@mattbeatgoeson)
- Professor Kathleen Lynch
Full Professor of Equality Studies, Emerita, University College Dublin
"Encouraging young people to engage in respectful, inclusive politics is only to be for the good of our Democracies which are under profound threat in these times.
Different views and perspectives will always be a feature of our humanity but learning to live with that with respect and tolerance will help create a better world. In that respect I welcome this initiative and wish it the very best for the future.”
"The UCD Politics and International Relations Society is proud to host the first Pan American Gubernatorial Primaries Competition in our Fitzgerald Debating Chamber. This student society is politically neutral and supports efforts such as these to reduce polarisation and promote respectful diverse discourse in times such as these. We wish the PAGPC and it's Committee all the best success in this competition and in the future"
“Our ability to intelligently debate and come to consensus on a myriad of existential issues is critical. Challenges such as climate change will require constructive dialogue across ideological lines to formulate effective long-term solutions.”
- Jim Holloway
Former Mayor of Navan, Councillor & Teacher
“I welcome this timely initiative by PAGPC. Democracy cannot be taken for granted. Choosing to remain in the comfort of certainty is not an option. Democracy is best served by a recognition of our common humanity and respect for difference. I thank all those involved in this project, the organisers and those who will take part.”
Registration Application
Application Has Now Closed
We thank everyone who have submitted their name to partake in the debate!
Please Note When Registering:
Whilst we accept every student applicant, we require all details on the registration, including a valid email address.
We cannot hold your place for you if you are late/miss a debate.
5 days before competition date, registration closes and we cannot take in any new applicants, even if details are filled out. This is due to competition rules and how we operate.
Whilst not mandatory, we do encourage you to add your school’s name in the ‘Other Relevant Details’ section of the application. We also accept any students who attend schools outside of the country that our upcoming competition takes place in.