The winners of debating championships from around the world have come to Istanbul to offer training to those who are interested in improving their debating skills and perform debates for Istanbulites as a part of the MERİDYEN OPEN '15. World-renowned figures of the debating society will provide insight into the world of debating until June 15 at Istanbul Şehir University with an organization by the Meridyen Support Association. Over 150 participants from 20 countries including the U.K as well as China, Germany and Malaysia, will compete against each other to be crowned champion at the MERİDYEN OPEN '15. The debate teams will perform debates on eight different issues from women's rights to economy and environment. The championship kicked off yesterday with training provided by Tasneem Elias (2007 World Debating Champion), Michael DG (2014 president of the Cambridge Debate Club), Harish Natarajan (2014 World Debating Championship head of the jury), Emila Carlqvist (2013 European debating champion). During the event, Istanbulites had a chance to learn more about various topics including how to develop an argument and speech strategies. On June 13, the first rounds of the championship will take place and the winners will be able to compete in the next level. Following the quarter- and semi-finals, the final debate of the championship will take place on June 14 at 5:00 p.m. The final will be held on a boat with the world-famous Bosphorus view at an exclusive black-tie organization overseen by Youth and Sports Minister Akif Çağatay Kılıç. For further information, visit istanbulopen2015.com