On November 15, the final stage of the IX Debate Public Speaking Tournament on “Implementing harsher crime penalties is the most effective way to reduce crime” which is dedicated to the “Year of Constitution and Sovereignty” was held at Sumgayit State University organized by the Debate Club operating under the Center of Excellence and with the support of Student Trade Union Committee. Vice-rector for Social Affairs and Public Relations, associate professor Elmar Khalilov emphasized the importance of the debate culture in the formation of the young generations’ thinking, speech and argumentation skills, and wished the participants success. The chairwoman of the Debate Club, Gunay Ramazanova provided information about the tournament, team participation and assessment process. On November 2, only two teams out of sixteen teams: the team “Carina” representing the Faculty of Philology, and the team “Revolt” representing the Faculty of Natural Sciences which participated in the semi-final stage, advanced to the final stage. In the final stage, the team “Carina” played in the affirmative position, the team “Revolt” played in the negative position. According to the result of the debate, the team “Carina” was declared as the winner of the tournament. At the end of the seminar, the winning team was awarded a trophy, the best speakers, judge and representatives, as well as the members of the team who participated in the final stage were awarded the certificates and medals.