Muscat – The Environment Authority has announced the launch of the Environmental Debate Championship, which will be held in Muscat on October 15.

The competition will bring together university students, professionals from public and private institutions, and members of non-profit organisations.

Teams will debate environmental challenges, with one side defending a position and the other challenging it. They will be assessed on argument strength, analysis and delivery.

An official from the authority said the aim of the championship goes beyond competition. “It seeks to raise awareness, foster critical thinking and prepare a generation capable of contributing to environmental policy-making,” the official said.

Topics will include water management, afforestation, climate change, waste and pollution, renewable energy, biodiversity and the role of communities in environmental protection. The initiative is aligned with Oman Vision 2040, which identifies sustainability as a national priority. The authority said the event will engage youth more actively in efforts to address climate change and natural resource depletion.

Registration is open until September 4 through the authority’s website. The winning teams will be honoured at a ceremony on October 16.