Young people under the age of 18 cannot vote in the Netherlands, so it is important that they become democratically involved in other ways. This is crucial because policies hit young people harder and democratic participation is a habit that young people have to learn. The Benelux Debate Competition trains young people (13-18) in essential citizenship skills and gives them the opportunity to apply these skills in practice directly. Through the competition, young people learn to express themselves clearly, to work together as a team and to understand different points of view. By working with youth advocacy organisations, young people have the opportunity to apply these skills in practice and become democratically involved. In short, the Benelux Debating Competition not only gives young people the opportunity to make their voices heard, but also the opportunity to convert this voice into action and contribute to a strong and vibrant democracy.