On November 1-2, the opening and semi-final stages of the IX Debate-Oratory Tournament dedicated to the "Year of the Constitution and Sovereignty" took place at Sumgayit State University (SSU), organized by the Debate Club operating under the Center of Excellence and with the support of the Student Trade Union Committee. The event was opened by Vice-Rector for Social Affairs of the university, Associate Professor Elmar Khalilov and he welcomed the participants. He emphasized that the culture of debate makes a significant contribution to the development of students" analytical and critical thinking, public speaking, and oratory skills. Then, the Chairman of the Trade Union Committee, Associate Professor Nemat Ibayev made a speech and stated that the tournament is an important initiative in terms of developing a culture of discussion and wished the participants success. Then, the chairman of the Debate Club, a second-year master"s student at the Faculty of Engineering, Gunay Ramazanova spoke and provided information about the organization, stages, and purpose of the tournament. This year"s debate theme was "Implementing harsher criminal penalties is the most effective way to reduce crime." 16 teams participated on the first day, 12 of which qualified for the next round. As a result of intense and interesting discussions, the teams "Revolt" from the Faculty of Natural Sciences and "Carina" from the Faculty of Philology advanced to the final round. Experienced debate judges from Azerbaijan Medical University, Baku Engineering University, and Sumgayit State University participated in the tournament, contributing to the fair and objective conduct of the competition.