On October 31, Sumy State University hosted the debate “Electronic democracy: effective people’s power or a hidden danger?” which is implemented as part of the educational project “Local democracy: best European practices for Ukraine” (ERASMUS-JMO-2021-HEI-TCH-RSCH-101047645 ) under the Erasmus+ program Jean Monet module.

Four teams of creative, motivated students took part in the event: “In the Name of Three” (SumSU), “Direct Democrats” (Sum State Pedagogical University named after A.S. Makarenko), “Plan A” (SNAU), “PITCH PERFECT” (SumSU ).

Traditionally, the judging of the event was carried out by objective and impartial judges: the head of the Department of Analytics and Communication Strategies of the Department of Public Communications of the Sumy City Council, Andrii MOSHA; Nataliya SHESTERNINA, Deputy Director of the Sumy Local Center for Providing Free Secondary Legal Aid and associate professor of the department of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, candidate of aviation. Sciences, associate professor Olga STOGOVA.

Academic supervisors motivated and cheered for the teams: Anna SLAVKO, Sumy State University; Mykola MYKHAILICHENKO,  SNAU; and Nataliya ZHILNIKOVA, senior lecturer of the Department of Law and Methods of Teaching Legal Studies.

The teams defended their position, presented arguments, and asked sharp questions, making it difficult for the judges to determine the winners. The gap between the groups was minimal, which testifies to the youth’s diligent preparation, thirst for victory, and active public attitude.

The places were distributed as follows: 1st place – team “PITCH PERFECT” (SumDU); 2nd place – “Direct Democrats” team (A.S. Makarenko Sumy State Pedagogical University); 3rd place – “Plan A” team (SNAU); 4th place – group “In the Name of Three” (SumDU).

The project team is grateful to all participants for their support and participation in the event.