The International Public Policy Forum (IPPF) is the only global competition empowering high school students to engage in rigorous written and oral debates on public policy issues. Founded in 2001 and managed by the Brewer Foundation in partnership with New York University, the IPPF is open to high school students from any country worldwide.
How it works:
- Registration — Teams of 3-6 students register with a coach; the 2026-27 general registration deadline was October 13, 2026
- Qualifying Round — Teams submit a 3,000-word essay arguing one side of the annual IPPF resolution
- Single-Elimination Bracket — Judges evaluate essays and the top 64 teams advance into a written debate bracket, alternating sides in the Round of 64 and Round of 32; the Sweet 16 uses oral debates online
- Finals Weekend — The Elite 8 teams debate in person at NYU School of Law in New York City; the last team standing earns the title of IPPF World Champion and a $10,000 grand prize
The 2026-27 resolution: "The United Nations should prioritize protecting the rights of women and girls over respecting state sovereignty."
The IPPF develops critical thinking, research, and policy advocacy skills, and exposes students to real-world international issues through structured academic debate.
Checked November 3, 2026 against the 2026-27 schedule, registration page, and rules. The October 13 entry deadline and April 16-17 finals are confirmed. A retained open-registration banner is not treated as evidence of an extension. Current rules distinguish written Rounds of 64/32 from online oral Sweet 16 debates.