1918

establishment year

54 countries

with ESU branches

1,000,000+

youth engaging in ESU-organized English-speaking competitions

The English-Speaking Union runs a number of programmes bringing people from different countries together, including the International Public Speaking Competition (IPSC) for students aged 16-20, renowned as the Olympics of English public speaking. The ESU-Churchill Public Speaking Competition, sponsored by the International Churchill Society, is specifically for students in England and Wales. The ESU Youth Public Speaking Competition marks the first ESU event for young people aged 6-16 worldwide, aiming to nurture exceptional communication skills and cross-cultural understanding in young minds.

In April 2025, the English-Speaking Union and ASEEDER officially formed a strategic partnership to co-launch the ESU Youth Public Speaking Competition (YPSC). This international competition for young people aged 6-16 is inspired by the IPSC, the world’s most influential international English public speaking competition (for students aged 16-20). Designed as a premium global stage for public speaking, the YPSC aims to foster future leaders with outstanding communication skills and cross-cultural understanding on a global scale.

International Public Speaking Competition (IPSC), established in 1980 by ESU, is one of the world’s most influential English-speaking competitions for young people. It now reaches over one million young people aged 16 to 20 in more than 50 countries across the globe. IPSC adjudicators consist of international language education experts and renowned scholars. Award-winning participants are often seen as potential talents for future roles in diplomacy, international organizations, or multinational companies. The IPSC’s certificate is highly esteemed in the realms of global higher education and professional careers.

In 2023-24, a total of 111, 205 students from around the world took part in the national and regional selections for the competition. Ultimately, only 39 participants were invited to London to compete for the global championship.

In China, the “21st Century Cup” National English Speaking Competition is the sole official qualifying event for the International Public Speaking Competition (IPSC). Winners of the national finals will advance to the IPSC China Representative Selection, competing for the opportunity to represent the country at the IPSC World Finals.