Future at Stake: How Students Debate Today Affects Tomorrow

This session was produced in partnership with A Starting Point and CFR Education at SXSW EDU 2026 in Austin, TX .

Drowning in global headlines and hot takes, today’s students need more than opinions—they need a voice. Join two students in a discussion with educational leaders to explore how debate and simulations ignite critical thinking, build confidence, and foster real-world skills to navigate our interconnected world. Featuring counterpoints and live reflection, hear directly from students about the value of structured debate and deliberation in helping cut through the noise, combat news fatigue, and transform insight into action. The future’s loud—let's make sure students are heard.

Speakers

• Mark Kassen (Co-founder, A Starting Point)
• Caroline Netchvolodoff (Vice President, Education, Council on Foreign Relations)
• Michael Fernandez (Student, UT Austin)
• Gabrielle Izu (Student, UT Austin)