The ESU Patron’s Dinner
On Thursday, 9 December we were honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, to Dartmouth House for our Patron’s Dinner. The evening brought together a wide range of the young people we have been working with, alongside many of our members and supporters. The evening was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the impact of our programmes.
In her speech, Her Royal Highness highlighted the vital importance of speaking, listening and debating skills, noting how central the ESU’s mission is at a time when clear, confident communication is needed more than ever.
This year’s International Council Meeting will be held in London from 13-17 July 2026. Planned to coincide with our International Public Speaking Competition (IPSC), the week will give attendees the chance not only to mix with other ESU members from around the globe, but to experience our work first-hand, too. Tickets cost £550 for the full week (plus transport and accommodation). You can find out more on our website here.
The programme begins with a welcome dinner at Dartmouth House on the Monday evening and includes a range of quintessentially British activities such as tours of London’s cultural landmarks and a theatre performance. The Highlight will of course be the grand final of the IPSC where the best young speakers in the world take to the stage at the Royal Institution. Always an inspiring, high-octane event, it attracts a truly multi-cultural audience and is a great example of our mission to build a more collaborative world. 39 national ESUs are now registered for the IPSC 2026. This year’s national finals are now underway, and it has been wonderful to see the energy and enthusiasm coming through from across the network.
Happy Hour
The ESU USA is streaming a series of talks that are engaging, fun, and informative. Speakers are live and cover a wide range of topics. All free of charge. The custom is for speakers to suggest a unique cocktail to create and enjoy at home during the talk, hence the name “Happy Hour”.
Sessions are recorded and can be viewed at any time.
For more details: http://www.esuus.org/esu/activities/happy-hour
ESU Australia has 5 branches: Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia & Victoria.
For details of activities organised by all branches contact Chris Perriam, chairman of ESU South Australia: perriamci@bigpond.com.au