International Public Policy Forum (IPPF) Announces 2025 – 26 Advancing “Sweet 16” Teams
The Brewer Foundation/New York University International Public Policy Forum (IPPF) today announced the high school debate teams advancing to the competition’s final written round, the “Sweet 16.”
Advancing teams remain eligible to win an all-expense paid trip to New York City, where they will compete for the IPPF World Champion title, the Brewer Cup and a $10,000 grand prize.
The written debates began in November and have successively narrowed the field. The Round of 32 began early January when teams engaged in a written volley on the topic:
“Resolved: The Group of 20 Nations should levy a global education tax equal to 1% of each member country's gross domestic product to establish a dedicated international organization that supports the provision of universal, free, quality primary and secondary education.”
A panel of judges evaluated each written debate to select this year’s “Sweet 16” teams. They represent schools from 10 U.S states and 5 countries including the Republic of Korea and the Republic of Türkiye.
“The advancing teams have committed themselves to the research and craft that go into effective public policy advocacy,” says William A. Brewer, Chairman of the Brewer Foundation and Founder of the IPPF. “They have demonstrated exceptional skill thus far, but this final round will determine who earns the opportunity to debate in New York City.”
The winners of the “Sweet 16” will be invited to New York City to compete at the IPPF Finals on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the NYU School of Law. The “Elite 8” teams will compete in oral debates before a panel of judges that includes professionals from law, business, academia, and public policy.
Founded in 2001, the IPPF is the only international debate competition which teams compete in both oral and written debate. The IPPF’s 25th competition began in October with a record-breaking field of 332 teams from 39 countries including Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, China, and Japan.
Results from the Round of 32:
Kealakehe Public High School from Kailua Kona, Hawaii advances over Syosset High School from Syosset, New York
BASIS International School Shenzhen from Shenzhen, China advances over Bergen Debate Club from Bergen, New Jersey
Jasper High School from Plano, Texas advances over Seido Mikawadai High School from Nagasaki Japan
Ivy Bridge Academy (Team 1) from Johns Creek, Georgia advances over Greenwich High School from Greenwich, Connecticut
Pomperaug Regional High School from Southbury, Connecticut advances over Carroll Senior High School from Southlake, Texas
North Allegheny Senior High School from Wexford, Pennsylvania advances over Flower Mound High School from Flower Mound, Texas
Hamilton High School from Chandler, Arizona advances over TH School from Hanoi Vietnam
Çevre High School from Istanbul, Turkey advances over The Academy of Classical Christian Studies from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Ivy Bridge Academy (Team 2) from John’s Creek Georgia advances over Jabberwocky Studio from Delhi, India
Delbarton School from Morristown, New Jersey advances over Grand Oaks High School from Spring, Texas
Notre Dame San Jose from San Jose, California advances over Phillips Academy Andover from Andover, Massachusetts
Millburn High School from Millburn, New Jersey advances over German European School Singapore from Singapore
Troy High School from Troy, Michigan advances over Phillips Exeter Academy from Exeter, New Hampshire
Saint Paul Preporatory Seoul from Seoul, Republic of Korea advances over Nova High School from Davie, Florida
Westwood High School from Austin, Texas advances over Damien Memorial School from Honolulu, Hawaii
Marymount Academy International from Montreal, Canada advances over Northport High School from Northport, New York
To learn more about the IPPF click here.