The Debate,
Eloquence &
Rhetoric Society
Defined by Reason. Driven by Youth.
Arming 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.
A global community of future decision-makers
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.
Official Regional Round Partner
Representing Tunisia & Switzerland
DER Club
Our network of Local Sections driving the debate culture.
Join an international community
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.
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.
Our Events in Action
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.
Legal Status
The Debate, Eloquence & Rhetoric Society is a non-profit Association governed by Articles 60 et seq. of the Swiss Civil Code.
Headquarters: 1022 Chavannes-pres-Renens, Vaud, Switzerland.
The standing members of the committee are Rania Ben Ayed (President), Myriam Khouaja, Sarah Hachani, and Elyes Ben Ayed.
Contact
We'd love to hear from you.