Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

The IHTM Oxford Union Debate has been a key fixture in the course’s calendar for many years. This year's debate on climate change proved lively and engaging.

The IHTM 2023 cohort in the Goodman library for the Oxford Union debate.

The aim of the debate is to engage the diverse cohort of global health students from all over the world in considering the most topical and significant global issues of the day. Students bring their multidisciplinary expertise and rich, unique experiences to the event which has produced some outstanding conversations over the years. 

Debate 1 – Motion.

This house would require countries with high carbon emissions to pay climate reparations to low-emitting nations disproportionately affected by climate change.

Debate 2 – Motion

This house believes that low- and middle-income countries should be allowed to exploit their fossil fuel reserves.

Students debated with enthusiasm and passion, often illustrating their arguments with events that they have witnessed first-hand.

Dennis Mazingi and Lisha Jeena, both IHTM alumni from 2020 chaired the debate. Dennis commentated:

“The scholars debate this year was excellent. The speeches would not have been out of place at international fora such as COP27. Students demonstrated immense personal growth and improvement in their argumentation and public speaking skills. It's another successful IHTM debate.”

IHTM student, Sophia Adhikari, added,

“The Union debate was an amazing opportunity to brush up my persuasion skills in front of a larger audience. It also helped me broaden my perspective on both sides of the motion and to express my views accordingly.”

An IHTM student debates climate change at the Oxford Union

Similar stories

IHTM placement preparations get underway

This week, the focus shifted to this year’s IHTM placements. Following the exam period, placements begin at the end of April and finish at the end of June with a 10,000-word dissertation based on the student's research completed by mid-August.

Evaluating the Impact of a Digital Hospital Information Management System on the Operational and Financial Performance of Health Facilities in Kenya

Christabel Ngwashi, IHTM 2021, co-authored this article, which was published in the International Journal of Health Sciences and Research Vol.13; Issue: 3; March 2023 www.ijhsr.org Original Research Article ISSN: 2249-9571

IHTM alumna Yasangra Rabo-Adeniji discusses her work in Nigeria

Eight years since the MSc in IHTM began, our alumni are having a tangible global impact.

International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2023

For this year’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science on 11 February, we asked a few of the IHTM teaching team to reflect on their science careers and in particular their experience of working in global health.

Honing Negotiation Skills with CPDS

Following mock exams, Hilary term got fully underway with a one-day workshop on International Negotiation Skills run by the Centre for Political & Diplomatic Studies, CPDS. The aim was to explore the principles of effective negotiation and engagement, evaluating the different styles of negotiation and examining the dynamics and skills of influencing.