Cambridge Union Society

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom

Trust Indicators

5.0

Credibility

5.0

Support

5.0

Accuracy

0.3

Overall

About

The Cambridge Union Society, established in 1815, is the world's oldest continuously running debating and free speech society. As the largest student society at the University of Cambridge, it provides a unique forum for intellectual discourse and public debate. The Society is dedicated to fostering critical thinking, public speaking, and leadership skills among students and the wider community. It hosts weekly debates and speaker events featuring prominent global figures, alongside prestigious university and school debating competitions. Beyond its core activities in Cambridge, the Union extends its educational outreach internationally. This includes a significant partnership with LearningLeaders for the Cambridge Asia British Parliamentary (CABP) Championships, which develops debate skills among Asian youth. The Cambridge Union operates as a registered charity, committed to promoting free speech and participatory democracy worldwide.

Affiliations

University of CambridgeWorld Universities Debating Council (WUDC)LearningLeaders (for CABP Championships)

Programs Offered

Weekly Debates and Speaker Events
Competitive Debating (British Parliamentary format)
Cambridge Schools Debating Competition
International Competition for Young Debaters (ICYD)
Cambridge Asia British Parliamentary (CABP) Championships
Public Speaking Workshops
Outreach Programmes in Secondary Schools

Achievements

Oldest continuously running debating society in the world (founded 1815)
Hosted numerous world leaders, politicians, and celebrities
Served as a model for other prominent debating societies (e.g., Oxford Union)
Organizes UK's largest and most prestigious university and school debating competitions
Active in over 18 countries worldwide through training and competitions