The Debate, Eloquence & Rhetoric Society

Defined by Reason. Driven by Youth.

Join Us

Our Vision

We exist to arm the youth with the tools of influence. We believe Debate uncovers the truth, Eloquence makes a message heard, and Rhetoric guarantees it is understood. The future generation was born to inherit the world; it must rise and reclaim its right to speak.

Presence

The DER Society is a global organisation dedicated to promoting public speaking among the youth. We work through a wide network of members, clubs, and partners. Through this open community, we organise several projects, activities, and events to bring the power of discourse everywhere.

DER Club

Our network of Local Sections driving the debate culture.

Local Sections

The DER Society is based on a network of innovative and resourceful people dedicated to developing debate and exchange of ideas all over the world. We operate through local sections in schools and universities. With our current members and alumni, we cultivate an international community of future decision-makers.

To enlarge our vision, our club-founding applications are open to all young and driven people who want to take part in our journey.

Start a Chapter

By founding a DER Club, you will embark on a life-changing adventure that will put to good use your leadership, innovation, and determination.

You will build for you and your peers a temple of exchange, discussion, and growth, propelling you toward excellence.

We invite you to fill out the form carefully, as it is a selective process.

Campaign Lab

From Theory to Action

The Campaign Lab, an initiative by the DER Society, brings together young individuals with a strong interest in Political Science. Not only to study politics, but to practice it.

Designed for high-potential individuals, this puts you in the shoes of real-world political consultants. You will step into the role of a strategist to analyze, criticize, and innovate on live political campaigns.

What to expect:

Learning experience: Master the scientific tools and methodologies used by top political specialists today.
Systemic Insight: Navigate the rules and constraints that define electoral systems.
Real Impact: This is not a simulation. You have the opportunity to produce concrete strategic recommendations that can influence real-world political actors.

Current Mission

Our first chapter focuses on former French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin and his newly founded movement, ‘La France Humaniste’.

About Us

Our Story

The DER Society originated from a simple debate club founded at the International School of Carthage in Tunisia. Back then, it was a great success among students. Membership kept increasing and, most importantly, the project had a real impact on individuals. Teenagers who feared speaking in public quickly started to enjoy it. They overcame their fear and became comfortable speaking up and sharing their thoughts. The DER brought an enthusiasm for debate that had not been seen before at this establishment.

This success led to greater ambitions. As we realized the potential of this project, we decided not to limit it to a single high school, but to open it up. Henceforth, the expansion of the DER began. It became a nationwide Tunisian organization that opened clubs in different institutions. Members from different places started to connect, creating a community of passionate speakers. Multiple events were organized, notably debate competitions, in which young people demonstrated their skills in eloquence and rhetoric. This step was reinforced through partnerships with Oxford and Cambridge, which granted us the status of an official round partner of their Debate Unions.

In 2025, we revised our ambitions upward and decided to pursue a global scope. Therefore, the DER Society, as a global organization, was founded in Switzerland. We now aim to promote debate, eloquence, and rhetoric internationally, welcoming all those who wish to contribute to our mission.