Brewer Foundation Announces Record-Breaking Year: 506 Teams from 62 Countries Enter the 2026-27 International Public Policy Forum

NEW YORK, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Brewer Foundation announces record-breaking participation in the 2026–27 International Public Policy Forum (IPPF), marking a historic start to the competition's 26th year. A record 506 teams from 62 countries and 25 U.S. states submitted qualifying round essays.

Of the 62 countries represented, this year's record field includes teams from 17 countries competing for the first time, among them France, Mexico, Curaçao and Russia, reflecting growing global interest in civil discourse on the world's most consequential policy questions.

This year's resolution asks students to weigh the rights of women and girls against national sovereignty:

Resolved: The United Nations should prioritize protecting the rights of women and girls over respecting state sovereignty.

Each team submitted a qualifying essay of up to 3,000 words that will be evaluated by a panel. Judges include members of the IPPF Circle of Champions, the NYU Berkley Institute for Civil Discourse and Civic Solutions, and debaters from IPPF partner schools New York University, Howard University, Texas Southern University, and, for the first time this year, Cornell University.

"This year's record turnout demonstrates that now, more than ever, students around the world want to exchange ideas and engage in thoughtful debate," said William A. Brewer III, Chairman of the Brewer Foundation and founder of the IPPF. "At a time when civil discourse among those with opposing views is increasingly rare, these students set an example for all of us."

The Top 64 teams will advance to a single-elimination debate tournament: two written rounds narrow the field to 16, and a virtual oral round will determine the "Elite Eight." These teams will travel to New York City for the 26th annual IPPF Finals, April 16–17, 2027, at NYU School of Law. The winner will be crowned the IPPF World Champion and receive the Brewer Cup and a $10,000 grand prize.

Founded in 2001 by the Brewer Foundation and jointly administered with New York University, the IPPF is the world's only international high school debate competition combining written and oral advocacy on issues of public policy.

To learn more about the IPPF, please visit www.ippfdebate.com.

About The Brewer Foundation
The Brewer Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors. The Foundation empowers students through education equity, mentorship, and global debate. It breaks barriers, amplifies voices, and champions the art of advocacy for lasting change. A 501(c)(3) private foundation, the Brewer Foundation supports a range of community initiatives, with a special emphasis on developing, overseeing, and funding education programs, including the Brewer Foundation Future Leaders Program (FLP) and the Brewer Foundation/New York University International Public Policy Forum (IPPF). www.brewerattorneys.com/foundation  

Media Contact:
Jasmine McClure
[email protected] 
212-527-2583

SOURCE The Brewer Foundation