The Belgrade Bid for The

OPEN COMMUNICATION

The Belgrade Bid for the

EUROPEAN UNIVERSITIES DEBATING CHAMPIONSHIP 2012 UNIVERSITY of BELGRADE TABLE OF CONTENTS

Foreword by the Convenor 4

Foreword by the Chief Adjudicator 7

Adjudication team 8

Hospitality 13

Venues 16

Festive events 19

Socials 22

Registration 25

Logistics 27

Volunteers 30

Equity 32

Public Relations 34

Budget 36

Photography by Milena Goševski © Open Communication, 2011

3 The Belgrade Bid FOREWORD by the Convenor

Dear Debaters of Europe!

It is our great privilege and honour to present to you Belgrade Euros 2012!

Our host debating society, Open Communication, has grown extensively over the past number of years in every possible way; in the number of active members we have, the number of regular programs we conduct, the quality and quantity of international events we organise and much, much more. We believe that now is an opportune time to bring the European Universities Debating Championship back to Central & Eastern Europe, 9 long years after its last hosting in our region.

The importance of such an event for the region is enormous. In transitional societies, where people are still trying to cope with the basic principles of democracy and the role of civil society, debate as both a means and a goal is extremely valuable, on two main levels. For students, it enhances their education and per- ception of the environment around them, on a local and regional 4 EUDC 2012 scale. For those who form part of the establishment, it demon- strates their interest and determination to promote debate and critical thinking within the society they lead.

This is why, in our original proposal at the EUDC Council meeting in Amsterdam, we said that we are determined to include representatives of various countries of the region in our organising committee – to share the know-how we will acquire from hosting this event and to send the picture of sincere and transparent collaboration. We believe that the interest of the media, and from there the impact of our activity on the general public in Serbia and in the region, will grow immensely, since this is perhaps the largest-scale collaboration of this type in recent history.

As for the most fundamental question – can we pull this off?

We’ve proven through our hosting of the Belgrade Open that we stand for two things: the highest possible quality of debating and the maximum amount of fun. Providing you with the best possible adjudication on the continent and an enjoyable and memorable stay in Belgrade – these are our commitments for EUDC 2012.

In achieving this goal Open Communication has the full support of the University of Belgrade, the continuation of a successful collaboration that has lasted for more than a decade and contin- ues to grow in strength with time and new projects.

We sincerely hope that you will give us the chance to organise a memorable European Universities Debating Championships, bringing the best debaters from all over Europe to the party capital of the world. On these grounds – we’ve never been as proud to propose!

MILAN VIGNJEVIĆ President of Open Communication Prospective Convenor of Belgrade Euros 5 The Belgrade Bid Milan Vignjević Convenor

Milan was an ESL quarter-finalist, top of the EFL tab and the only non- ENL speaker at the Public Speaking final of WUDC 2010 in Antalya. He reached the ESL quarter-finals of EUDC 2010 in Amsterdam and won the ESL title at London Australs 2010. Milan also won the Zagreb 2009 tournament and participated in the finals of several international competitions, including the opens in Athens, Split and Zagreb. He has also made the break in competitions such as the International Debate Academy in Slovenia. He was the Co-Convenor of the Belgrade Open 2011 and was the DCA for the Belgrade Open 2010, Communique ‘09, Athens Open 2011, Sciences Po IV ‘11, Split Open 2011, the Convenor of the 2009 Debating Academy, the coordinator of the 2009/2010 ad- vanced debating program for Open Communication and has organised a number of regional competitions at his home institution, the Faculty of Organisational Sciences. Milan is the President of the Open Com- munication and Vice President of the European Debating Council for Central and Eastern Europe.

6 EUDC 2012 FOREWORD by the Chief Adjudicator

Debaters of Europe,

The European Championships in its current form has grown radically in recent years. It now barely resembles the first tournament of 32 teams held in Rotterdam way back in 1999. It has grown to fit the ever-expanding debating community in Europe and has gained more prestige and reputation year on year. Euros today plays host to some of the best debaters in any language category at any tournament in the world. As a result, I was truly honoured when I was asked by the organisers to serve as Chief Adjudicator for the tournament, should the bid prove successful.

The organisational team in Belgrade has been putting in a huge amount of work since they first mentioned this idea to me over a year ago. They are working tirelessly (already) to ensure you all get a great taste of what Belgrade has to offer as well enjoy a very well organised Euros. For my part I, along with our fantastic adjudication team, aim to ensure you will experience a very well adjudicated tournament and get to debate some very fair and interesting motions.

With all that said, I would like to express to you all how excited I am to be a part of this bid and I hope that you will support us in our efforts to bring the European Championships to the beautiful city of Belgrade in 2012. Please do not hesitate to contact with me if you have any questions in relation to adjudication at the tournament. I look forward to seeing you in Galway.

Wishing you all the best for the 2011/12 debating year!

ART WARD Prospective Chief Adjudicator Belgrade Euros 2012

7 The Belgrade Bid ADJUDICATION TEAM

ART WARD Chief Adjudicator

Art is the proposed Chief Adjudicator of Belgrade Euros 2012. He will serve as Deputy Chief Adjudicator at the up- coming World Championships being hosted by De La Salle in Manila in 2011. In the past year he has served as Chief Adjudicator of the Cambridge IV and the LSE Open. He has adjudicated the Grand Final of the Australasian Debat- ing Championships in Monash in 2009 and coached debating in Ireland, the UK, Qatar, India and beyond. He was the 9th ranked speaker and Grand Finalist at Koc Worlds in 2010, 9th ranked speaker at Newcastle Euros in 2009 and has broken at Euros in Koc, Tallinn and Newcastle. He is a previous winner of the prestigious LSE Open, was Convenor of Cork Worlds in 2009 and served as Editor-in-Chief of the Cork Law Review in 2007.

8 EUDC 2012 MANOS MOSCHOPOULOS Assistant Chief Adjudicator

Manos was the best ESL speaker and an ESL quarter-finalist at WUDC 2010, an ESL finalist of EUDC 2010 and the ESL champion at London Australs 2010. He has also spoken in the ESL final of the Cam- bridge IV and the final of the European Par- liament IV. This year he will serve on the CA teams of the UCU Open, the Belgrade Open, the Vienna IV, the Athens Open, and Istanbul Open 2011. He was the Convenor of the Athens Open 2009 and the Belgrade Open 2010. Manos holds a BA in Commu- nication from Deree College in Athens.

ISA LOEWE Deputy Chief Adjudicator

Isa won the ESL title at the European Universities Debating Championship in 2006. She also made the ESL semi-finals at WUDC 2007 and was the Deputy Chief Adjudicator of EUDC 2008 in Tallinn. Isa has judged the open break finals at EUDC 2010 and WUDC 2011, as well as the ESL final at EUDC 2009 and the EFL final at WUDC 2010. As one of the most experienced adjudicators on the continent, she has served on the adjudication core of a wide range of tournaments including Prague, Tilbury, Yeditepe, Bremen, Vienna and the UCU Open.

9 The Belgrade Bid BEN WOOLGAR Deputy Chief Adjudicator

Ben was a Grand Finalist and 4th Best Speaker at Botswana Worlds 2011, and a Grand Finalist and Top 10 Speaker at Am- sterdam Euros 2010. He is also a former World Schools’ Debating Champion, and has won the Bristol, KCL and Inner Temple IVs. He has been the CA of the Imperial, Edinburgh, Paris, and Royal Holloway IVs, and has also coached debating in Israel and Japan. He is currently studying Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Balliol College, Oxford.

FILIP DOBRANIĆ Deputy Chief Adjudicator

Filip won the best ESL speaker trophy and spoke to the ESL final at WUDC 2011 and was the ESL champion at EUDC 2010. He was the best EFL speaker at WUDC 2010, WSDC 2007 and WSDC 2008. He has served as a faculty member at the Serbia Summer Debate Academy and the World Schools Debate Academy, while he was a sponsored judge for the FLTRP Cup Bei- jing in 2010 and a breaking judge at WSDC 2009 in Qatar. Filip has also judged and tabbed a number of tournaments abroad and in Slovenia, where he was the National Champion and Best Speaker in 2009.

10 EUDC 2012 STEPHEN BOYLE Deputy Chief Adjudicator

Stephen is a WUDC Quarter-Finalist and has won The Irish Times, the Yale IV, the Hart House IV and the Bristol Open. He has reached the finals of the Oxford IV twice and is a Gold Medalist of the Liter- ary and Historical Society of the University College Dublin. He was the CA of the US Championships 2011 hosted by the Univer- sity of Vermont, where served as a lecturer and debate coach. Stephen has coached in a number of European countries, served on the faculty of many debating training programs and has worked extensively in countries such as Slovenia and Serbia.

BOB NIMMO Tabmaster

Bob is well known across the international debate community as perhaps the best and most experienced tabmaster around. He was in charge of the Tab Room at the Eu- ropean Universities Debating Champion- ships in 2008 and 2009 and the World Uni- versities Debating Championships in 2009, as well as many editions of the Cambridge IV, not to mention dozens of other tournaments around the world. Bob is also an accomplished debater, having won the Eu- ropean Universities Debating Champion- ship in 2005 for the Durham Union Society and reaching the WUDC 2007 final for the Cambridge Union. He has also served as a DCA for EUDC 2009 in Newcastle.

11 The Belgrade Bid MILAN KRSTANOVIĆ Tournament Director

Milan was the Convenor of the Belgrade Open 2011. He has been part of Open Communication since 2006 and has spoken in numerous domestic and international finals. Milan won the debate competition of the Serbian Summer Debate Academy in 2009, the FUTUR 2008 international competition in Slovenia and the University of Belgrade Debating Championship three times. He was among the finalists of the Serbian debate league 2009/2010, has reached the semi-finals of Belgrade Open 2010 and won the Best Speaker Award at the Athens Open 2011. Mi- lan has participated at EUDC in Newcastle and Amsterdam.

MARKO ĆIROVIĆ Assistant

Marko was an ESL quarter-finalist and top of the EFL team tab in WUDC 2010 in Antalya, as well as an ESL quarter-finalist at EUDC 2010 in Amsterdam. Apart from building Serbia’s reputation as a fun-loving nation in tournaments across Europe, Marko was President of the Academic Society of Culture and Art and the Coordinator of the Debating Club at the Faculty of Or- ganisational Sciences, where he graduated with a degree in Man- agement and Marketing. He was the winner of the Futur 2008 International Tournament in Slovenia and the National debating tournament in Belgrade (twice). Marko was a DCA of the 2011 Belgrade Open, the biggest tournament Belgrade has held so far. If you are still thinking: “The assistant? What kind of function is that?” – that is probably because you never been lucky enough to have someone like Marko by your side – a man that can solve any problem in times when you could use a clone of yourself. Quite simply, he’s your man. 12 EUDC 2012 HOSPITALITY

Our vision of Belgrade EUDC 2012 consists of harmony in dif- ferences: we want all the participants to feel at home regardless of their background, and still to live through the most beautiful experiences Belgrade can give.

During the tournament we will have volunteers on every corner showing you the way to debating rooms, telling you anything you want to know about the local ambience, where and when you can get your coffee, water, papers/pens, where the bathrooms and smoking areas are, and find the solution to any and all problems you might be having. We will also have information desks set up with people whose sole job will be to keep you posted on the latest happenings in the tournament, the city, etc.

We want you to be surrounded by surprises, big and small, which will keep you focused during those moments when you’re too tired to care about the difference between THBT and THW. We can’t always promise glamour, but we are sure we can provide those little moments, like when just a small piece of chocolate could save you from falling asleep in prep time.

Our city proudly shows its marbles in the summer and some of the locations we’ll take you to will fill you with positive energy and will linger sweetly in your memory for years to come. This is why we want to take you to Belgrade, to introduce you to our cultural and historic backgrounds, while still having global issues on your mind as you progress through the tournament.

We can’t let you go home without tasting our national snacks, trying our drinks (which are the only things which top our reputation as good debaters) and getting your hands on some sou- venirs which will forever remind you of the marvelous time you once had in our vibrant city. Our intention is to make you fall in

13 The Belgrade Bid love in our city, culture, people, so the next time you will come regardless of our invitation.

We will make Belgrade your second home.

ACCOMODATION & MEALS Most important info – all participants will be accommodated in one hotel – Hotel Srbija (Serbia). We are delighted to announce that all the rooms have air-conditioning systems, Wi-Fi, and all necessities to make you feel comfortable (although we doubt you will be spending that much time in your rooms anyway!).

Hotel Srbija has been recently renovated to an extremely high standard. Its 3 restaurants will allow us the convenience of enjoy- ing our meals together without lines or delays.

When we’re talking about food, we have to mention that we have already made deals concerning catering with both Halal, and Kosher Certification Agencies (you will find these letters on our bid disk). Vegetarians will have delicious food provided from different restaurants spe- cialising only in vegetarian fare. As for the participants who put “none” in the “dietary requirements” box, we’ll just quote Steven Nolan from the Belgrade Open 2010: “A Serbian sand- wich is: slice of chicken, slice of pork, slice of beef. Then repeat that 3 times, and when you fi- nally want to add some bread – you realize that there’s no space for it!” 14 EUDC 2012 VLADICA JOVANOVIĆ Hospitality Officer

Vladica started debating in 2009 and went straight to winning the Serbian Novice tournament, where she had shown that the Faculty of Po- litical Sciences is serious when it comes to debating. Since then she has participated as a debater at the Belgrade Open, Serbian Summer camps, IDAS 2009 and 2010. Her debut as an adjudicator was as good as her debating career, since she went on to chairing rounds at the European Universities Debating Champi- onship 2010, where the debating community could see that our debaters can do things other than winning debates! She was the protocol officer at the Belgrade Open 2011, where all aspect of communication were safely in her hands.

SLOBODAN TRIVIĆ Hospitality Officer

Slobodan started debating in 2006, when he attended the Eu- ropean Schools Championship in Stuttgart, as a high school debater. Later he tried his luck in Ormoz 2007 which is where he formed his debating basics. During his university years in the Law Faculty debating club, he reached the finals at the Zagreb Open 2009, Serbian Summer Debate Academy 2009 and 2010 and the semi-finals of the Zagreb Open 2010. Slobodan has also taken part in Athens Open 2009, IDAS 2010 and EUDC 2009 and 2010. When it comes to organising tournaments, he played his part in the Bel- grade Open 2011 fundraising team where his mantra was gathering money was simple: ‘sharing is caring’.

15 The Belgrade Bid VENUES

We’ve made it a point to make your participation in Belgrade Euros as comfortable as possible. In order to facilitate this (other than making sure you have the best possible accommodation and the wildest socials) we’ve made it a priority to be as practical as possible when it comes to venues, while still looking for time- honoured institutions for you to debate at.

We recognize that, for a tournament the size of Euros, venues can often be problematic, so we’ve been scouting locations through- out the city in order to find ones that are easiest to get to and will be only a short journey from the announcement/debate rooms. We were delighted to say that we have found locations, which meet all of these criteria, and more.

The preliminary rounds will be held right in the centre of the city, in the Faculties of Philosophy and Philology, only a minute’s walk from the famed pedestrian street ‘Knez Mihajlova’ and the Republic Square, a very popular meeting place. It is surrounded by cafes, shops, great fast-food restaurants, kiosks and the Stu- dents’ park – a fantastic place to unwind between the rounds.

16 EUDC 2012 We know that one of the things debaters most loved about the Belgrade Open is the fact that, year after year, the finals were held in the National Parliament building. Recognizing this, we have decided to hold the semi-final rounds in the Parliament, hoping it might show not only a huge appreciation and respect for quality debating, but also providing for a sense of occasion and achievement to all semis’ participants.

We also realize it is hard to top the Parliament building when it comes to venues. But we have succeeded. The Grand Finals of Belgrade Euros will be held in the Crystal Hall of the Pal- ace of Serbia. In the building’s 50 year history, it was home to a succession of governments; from the Federal Government of the Socialist Federative Republic of Yugoslavia, to the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Serbia, its current occupants.

We have committed ourselves to making sure you have the best experience at our EUDC, and, taking the above venues into con- sideration, we feel we can really live up to that commitment.

17 The Belgrade Bid MLADEN ŠULEIĆ Venues

Mladen has been part of Open Communication since 2007, and is one of the most experienced debaters at the Law Faculty in Belgrade. He won the Split Open in 2009, was among the top 10 speakers of IDAS 2010, participated in the finals of many regional and local tournaments, adjudicated two EUDC, New- castle and Amsterdam. He was the CA for the Belgrade Novice tournament in 2010 and was our hospitality officer for the Bel- grade Open 2011. You could definitely say that the reason for so many smiling faces at the tournament was down to Mladen.

STEFAN MILIĆ Venues

Stefan, with his fantastic eye for detail, will be in charge of the appearance and functionality of all our venues. He started his debating career in 2008 by winning the novice tournament in Belgrade. This year he was the Best Speaker of the Pro-Am tournament held in Belgrade. An avid basketball player, he studies at the Faculty of Organisational Sciences of the University of Belgrade.

18 EUDC 2012 FESTIVE EVENTS

Being one of the most prestigious student competitions in the world, EUDC brings with it several formal occasions, besides good debates and wild parties. So be sure to bring your fanciest dresses and suits!

We want you to experience Belgrade in all its aspects and meet it’s spirits – royal, socialist and modern. You will have the opportunity to hear and learn about Serbian lifestyle and society. You will be addressed by high-ranking government officials and University professors, and you will also have the opportunity to mingle and establish contacts with students and youth NGOs from all over Europe. Here’s what we have in store for you.

OPENING CEREMONY On the first day, we know you will be tired from your trip, so for the opening ceremony we’ve planned something casual, yet unique and classy – a garden dinner party.

At the reception, the Mayor of Belgrade and the Vice Rector of Belgrade University will officially open the Championship, after they and our Convenor have delivered speeches. After that, we will organise a mini concert so you can prepare for debates in a relaxed manner and catch up with old friends.

19 The Belgrade Bid SEMIS The goal of Open Communication is to spread debate through- out the whole of Serbian society and not just within the university. That is why we have organised previous finals of the Belgrade Open in the House of National Parliament – and this is also why the EUDC semis will be held there. It is one of the most beautiful national parliament buildings in the whole Europe (really, Google it).

The semis will be followed by “Networking Night”, where you will have the opportunity to schmooze and establish contacts with youth organizations’ representatives and party with them. Be careful though, they really know how to party.

FINALS And last, but most certainly not the least, EUDC 2012 Grand Finals will be held in the Crystal Hall of the Palace of Serbia.

It was previously known as Palace of the Federation, since it was the seat of the Federal Executive Council in Yugoslavia. Now it is a symbol of the ex-communist dictatorship. This Championship is a chance to make a new symbol out of it. That is the reason why you will be addressed by the most esteemed guests and highest government officials.

20 EUDC 2012 MILOŠ JANKOVIĆ Chief of Protocol

Miloš was the tournament director for the Belgrade Open 2010, a former Secretary General of Open Communication and Debate Club Coordinator at the Faculty of Law. He was also the Conve- nor of the 2009 Serbian Novice Tournament and the Volunteers coordinator for the Belgrade Open in 2009 and 2010. He has made the break in local and regional Belgrade tournaments and has judged numerous tournaments, including EUDC 2009. He has won many public speaking competitions and rhetoric chal- lenges – including the Young European Award at the European Forum Alpbach in 2010 and the First Prize in the Law Faculty Competition in 2009. He’s the Vice President of the Student Par- liament of his faculty and Spokesman at Club Alpbach Belgrade.

21 The Belgrade Bid SOCIALS

So... You came to Belgrade, got settled, went to the opening ceremony, grabbed a few (or more) drinks there, talked to some people, took a few pictures and you went to bed. You wake up in the morning, you almost miss your breakfast, you do well in the first round, but some judge rips you off in the second (it happens to us all the time). You pretend you don’t care but some annoy- ing people you’ve never seen before start asking you a stupid questions about somethings that seem to make almost no sense at all. You try to be polite, but they know you’re faking. You go to lunch, you feel a lot better, but the next motion is about something you know nothing about… And you are opening government. You talk to your partner and try improvising, but it’s not working because your partner forgets to say all the things that were relevant and you were distracted by the guys in second opp, who were constantly giving you a creepy “equity violation” look. It’s not been your day and you just want to go to your room and sleep. No fu... I mean… No way, fellow debater!

It’s socials time!

22 EUDC 2012 I could start by explaining why Belgrade is the party capital of Europe. I could probably tell you that the ‘Lonely Planet’ has listed Belgrade as one of the top destinations in the world or that ‘Party Planet’ has Belgrade as a must see during your lifetime. I could also tell you how in just the past month we had some of the best musicians performing live in Belgrade such as Shakira, Santana, Joe Cocker, Sting, Public Enemy, Moby, not to mention the best DJs in the world that come here on, practically, all week- ends. I could tell you that we are dedicated to having different theme parties, or one very, VERY popular person performing for us live... But then again, all of that might be just some popular- ity speech from a sexually frustrated guy. So here is what I want you to do:

1) Ask your friends from the debating community who have already attended a debating event in Belgrade (especially this year’s Belgrade Open) how it was. If you don’t know anyone who was in Belgrade then check this out: http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=smWi1s37F7E.

2) Imagine the best party you have had in your life... Can you remember it? It’s okay, I’ll wait... Take a few more seconds... You got it? Are you sure that’s the one? Perfect! We call it and raise you double!

We will also have ways for you to participate in the planning of these events, in coordination with the socials team, but let’s keep that as a secret for now...

We have got to tell you something though, we have a huge problem when it comes to deciding the locations for the socials. It’s because there are so many things that you guys need to see. All we can say is that there will definitely be some heavy clubbing and some water involved…

That’s all – for now. Stay cool!

23 The Belgrade Bid NEBOJŠA KOLUNDŽIĆ Socials

After organising the socials at the Belgrade Open 2011, Nebojša proved to us that he’s up to the challenge of doing the same for EUDC 2012. He won the fourth round of the Croatian Academ- ic Debate League two years ago, the Regional Debate Tourna- ment “Split 2009” in Croatia, as well as the 2009 tournament in Zagreb and the 2007 Faculty of Political Sciences competition. He reached the finals of the Belgrade International Games in 2008. He studies political sciences and asked that we mention his favorite motto: ‘everybody should find their own extension’. Nebojša is part of the Open Communication Supervisory Board.

24 EUDC 2012 REGISTRATION

From the moment you click “Register” until the time you arrive in Belgrade, this team will constantly be at your service, giving you a glimpse of the famous Serbian hospitality, even before the real fun starts.

We shall be there to provide you with all the necessary information about each phase of your registration process. You will be carefully guided through all the things you’re supposed to com- plete for your registration in order for this to draw to a close smoothly. You’re welcome to write to us at any time, whether you are having difficulties understanding the procedures or complet- ing the phases. We guarantee a swift and accurate response.

Also, if you have any questions about travelling to, or staying in, Belgrade before or after the competition, we shall provide you with all the information about places to stay or travelling options, working hand in hand with our Hospitality team and the rest of the crew at Open Communication. Don’t hesitate to ask.

We won’t leave you bewildered!

25 The Belgrade Bid SELENA TORLAKOVIĆ Registration Officer Selena is known for her activism in numerous fields and projects, which bring her onboard as one of the leading debating members from the Faculty of Political Sciences. Her involvement in debate started in 2009, when she won the Novice tournament, side by side with her partner, Vladica. She has debated at EUDC 2010 in Amsterdam, the Belgrade Open, IDAS, Serbian debate camp, gaining knowledge and experience along the way. Over the course of the past academic year, Selena broke at the Sciences Po IV and reached the finals of Athens Open 2011, where she was also the 3rd best speaker. She is the member of the Open Com- munication Executive Board and was the tournament director of the “Denny Crane 2011” tournament held in Belgrade, bringing debating teams from the region for the first time to her faculty.

MARIJA SIMIĆ Registration Marija started her debating career 3 years ago. She reached the semis of the Sciences Po IV 2011 and the Summer Debate Acad- emy 2010, making her one of the most promising debaters we have in our midst. She is currently the coach of the Singidunum University Debate Club, our youngest debating club so far. She has debated at EUDC 2010 in Amsterdam as well as many other tournaments in Europe, breaking at the Sciences Po IV 2011.

26 EUDC 2012 LOGISTICS

We now present you the logistics team for Belgrade Euros 2012. Hopefully the first time you learn of their existence will be at the ending ceremony, when you think to yourself: “Who are those guys?” The three of them, backed by a small army of volunteers and, when everything goes as planned with the socials, probably a cocktail of performance-enhancing drugs, will be at your service, dedicated and able to keep the tournament running as smoothly as you’ll have ever seen.

Our logistics team reflects much of Belgrade’s own personality – the unexpected variety that works great even though it could seem like an odd combination at first. Also, like the city itself, they never sleep and sometimes smell like petrol. Predrag brings experience to the team, as the director of the Belgrade Open 2011 and other debate seminars. The youth and energy come from Dino who is a rising star in Serbian debating community. Goran is here because he’s voted as the person most likely to seek treatment for Obsessive-compulsive disorder. Predrag knows the job that needs to be done, Dino will push for everything to be done as soon as possible, Goran is there to put it all to paper, plan beforehand and yell “NO” at the other two.

Like you, we have high expectations for Belgrade Euros. A tournament of this size has never been hosted in our country. This is exactly why we are more than motivated and committed to jus- tify your trust in this team and this feat. Our job is already well on its way, so you can rest assured that by this time next year, we will triple check everything (and test it on Predrag) so you can debate and enjoy our capital with one less worry on your mind.

27 The Belgrade Bid The logistics team have a very large wager with the rest of the organising committee that they can make a tournament in Serbia run exactly on schedule. Pride is on the table, it got real and we are ready to go! Looking forward to seeing all of you in Belgrade, and, possibly, even saying ‘Hi’ while running through the venue hallways. Don’t mind if we don’t, there’s probably a coffee ma- chine somewhere, waiting to be refilled.

PREDRAG PETRIČEVIĆ Logistics

Predrag started debating in high school, later becoming a coach and coordinator of his debate club. He won a series of tournaments in the Karl Popper format before moving on to the university debating circuit and to parliamentary formats where he carried on winning tournaments and participating in finals (winner of Ser- bian Debate Camp 2006, winner and best speaker of Belgrade Internation- al Games 2007, finalist of Belgrade International Games 2008, finalist of Athens Open 2009). Predrag was also an EFL Finalist at Botswana Worlds 2011. Apart from debating and adju- dicating on a regular basis, he gives lectures and workshops on debate in Serbia. He was Tournament Director of the Belgrade Open 2011.

28 EUDC 2012 DINO IBIŠBEGOVIĆ Logistics

Dino started debating in high school, winning various tournaments and representing Serbia and Montenegro in the IDEA Youth Forum 2005. He later joined debate at the university level and debated at EUDC 2009, as well as at WUDC in 2010. His latest achievement is breaking to the finals of the Zagreb Open 2010. He was the CA of the tournament in Mostar, 2011. He is a member of the Open Communication Executive Board and was part of the fundraising team for the Belgrade Open 2011.

GORAN JANKULOSKI Logistics

Goran is one of the most successful debaters in Serbia, reaching the ESL quarter-finals of EUDC in Am- sterdam, winning the best speaker trophies at Futur Ljubljana 2008, Belgrade Open 2009 and the Serbia Summer Debate Academy in 2010. He also won the last Academy tournament, made the finals in IDAS 2008, Belgrade Open 2009, Athens Open 2009 and IDAS 2010. Lately, Goran won the Athens Open 2011, and was an EFL Finalist at Botswana Worlds 2011. Today, he is coaching the Fac- ulty of Organisational Sciences debating club in Belgrade. 29 The Belgrade Bid VOLUNTEERS

A modern ninja is a mobile and cunning creature. It moves swiftly and delivers accurately, uses its environment to its advantage and blends in like a chameleon. So if you are in Belgrade in 2012 and you feel you are being watched and cared for do not be alarmed. The people popping up around every corner, rose-bush or trash can are the modern ninjas at your service – the Belgrade EUDC 2012 volunteers.

As volunteers of Belgrade EUDC 2012 they are here to make sure that your needs are met and that everything runs on time so that you may be free of all unnecessary worries during your stay in Belgrade.

Our team consists of a young, but experienced, group of students who see Belgrade EUDC 2012 as an opportunity to show how resourceful and professional they can be, and also to offer the experience of Belgrade and Serbia to the many debaters coming to our city. But it’s not all work, we are all looking forward to making new friends and taking from you the small pieces of your countries that you bring with you.

EUDC is not just the biggest debate tournament in Europe, but also an opportunity for young Europeans to come together; not just to hear different opinions, but experience different cultures, new surroundings, new sights and sounds. We hope that debaters that come to our city will not leave just as better debaters, but also richer in spirit, with a sense of European identity.

Feel free to debate. Feel free to enjoy our beautiful city. It will be our pleasure to grant you this freedom during your stay at Bel- grade EUDC 2012 and to allow you to soak up as much of our city and people as you possibly can.

30 EUDC 2012 DRAGAN MOMČILOVIĆ Volunteers Coordinator

Dragan is going to lead our fantastic team of volunteers that will make sure the tournament runs smoothly and on-time. Dragan studies at the Facul- ty of Political Sciences of the Univer- sity of Belgrade, where he co-coordi- nates the debate club. He is a member of the Student Parliament and the elected Chief of Student Representa- tives at the Politics Department. He was tested for this job at the Belgrade Open 2011 - and we believe he did a magnificent job.

VIKTOR PRLJA Volonteers Coordinator

A debater since 2007, Viktor was a finalist of Serbian Debate Academy 2009, 2010, Zagreb 2009, and in the top ten speakers of Belgrade Open 2009. He debated at the European Universities Debating Championship in Amsterdam 2010. Viktor is a member of the Open Communication Ex- ecutive Board, and head coach of his faculty’s debate club. As a Hospitality and Venues officer for the Belgrade Open 2011 he worked closely with volunteers – and their cooperation proved to be very fruitful.

31 The Belgrade Bid EQUITY

We would also like to take a few moments to outline the approach that Belgrade Euros would take to issues of equity and conduct.

Free speech lies at the heart of debating, and would be central to Belgrade Euros. An equity policy should exist so that all participants can safely and happily enjoy this experience of free speech and expression. A Belgrade EUDC would be looking to ensure respect amongst participants; in order for open communication and the free exchange of ideas to take place we must have an environment free of discrimination and harassment. As an equity team therefore, we would be looking to respond to equity and conduct issues with the utmost care, dealing with issues that arise seriously and fairly.

Belgrade Euros would strive to ensure that, regardless of who you are or where you are from, the competition is fair and enjoyable. We will work hard to deal with any concerns that arise with the attention and sensitivity they deserve.

We hope for a Belgrade EUDC 2012 that will be remembered for its high quality debates, demonstrating critical thinking and an intelligent evaluation of today’s issues. We hope this can be done in a way that avoids closed-mindedness and allows everyone to enjoy what promises to be an incredible tournament.

32 EUDC 2012 MAJA NENADOVIĆ Equity Officer

Maja founded UCU Debating Society, Utrecht, Netherlands in 2000, and CEU Debating Society, Budapest, Hungary in 2002, and is now re-starting it. She has trained debaters all across Eu- rope, helped with funding for many societies – such as Leiden, Mostar, Pristina... and she’s one of the most successful and committed activists when it comes to “applied” debate. She works as a consultant, political advisor, and to a large extent on reconcili- ation and conflict resolution – with focus on the Balkans. Her works are published in some of the most prestigious case study magazines – lately in collaboration with Leela Koenig – “The role of trust in political culture when teaching debate: the Koso- vo case study” was published in the Monash Debating Review.

MARY NUGENT Equity Officer

Mary won UCL Open, Cardiff IV, Oxford Women’s Open and London IV, and broke at numerous tournaments. She was a part of CA team for UCL, Oxford Women’s 2011, and the US Cham- pionships 2011. She has coached in China, Hong Kong, Qatar, Dubai, USA & the UK. Mary was the Director of Debating at the Cambridge Union in 2009/10. As Equity Officer of Cam- bridge IV 2010, she proved that she’s more than qualified to take up this task.

33 The Belgrade Bid PUBLIC RELATIONS

Have you heard about the University of Belgrade bid for the EUDC 2012? Of course you have, partly because our PR Team has started working on it way back in 2009. With this same effort and commitment, we will continue to promote the XIV Euro- pean Universities Debate Championship from its beginning to the very end, making sure that not only everyone in Serbia knows the best debaters from Europe will be competing in our country, but also everyone else worldwide.

By hosting the European Universities Debate Championship we are determined to draw attention to the growing debate in Ser- bian society, and in the region as well. We are eager to show the world debating community that Serbia has young and dedicated debaters developing their debating skills, but also working hard to make a change in our society and to promote and cherish debate culture. On the regional level, we are hoping to promote debate to a wider student population, recruiting new debaters from different universities, using all the potential we have to make our debate society even greater and stronger, but also sending a mes- sage about how debate can improve a society.

We will give you a hint on what, among other things, this PR team is preparing for you. In order to familiarise you with the whole process of organising this Championship, and to remind those who have been a part of it how great it was, there will be a camera capturing every single moment of the tournament, socials, your impressions and emotions, compiling it into a very interesting video. So be sure to smile and wave and we’ll make sure you have plenty of reasons to do so!

34 EUDC 2012 TIJANA MIJALKOVIĆ PR Officer

Tijana, ESL quarter-finalist at EUDC 2010 in Amsterdam, will be in charge of Public Relations, as one of the most representa- tive debaters our community has. She started debating in her senior year at high school, participating in the Pozitiv-Negativ televised debates and representing Serbia and Montenegro in the 2005 IDEA Youth Forum. She won the Athens Open 2011, the Serbia Summer Debate Academy in 2010, topped the tab at the Belgrade International Games 2008 and had participated in a number of finals in local and regional tournaments, where the top of the tab eagerly awaited her. She graduated with a degree in Spanish Language and Hispanic Literature from the Faculty of Philology of the University of Belgrade. We are proud to expect new brilliant debaters coming in very soon – as Tijana founded Debate club at her Faculty, which she’s been coaching for a year now.

ANĐELA MILIVOJEVIĆ PR Officer

Andjela has been a member of Open Communication since 2006. She was the head coach of the Faculty of Political Sciences Debating Club for the 2009/2010 academic year, where she organised many public debates and other related events. She was also a part of the organising committee of the Belgrade Open 2010 and the director of volunteers for the “Denny Crane 2011” tournament. Andjela is a member of CINS - Center for Indepen- dent Investigative Journalism in Serbia, from where she brings all the necessary experience we need.

35 The Belgrade Bid * BUDGET pending approval of the bid at European Universities Debating Council Communication Materials Championship dinner Socials Adjudication Transport included) requirements (special dietary Lunch & meals Accommodation Embassy of Netherlands* Royal Serbia OSCE Mission to Cooperation* & Security for Balkan Trust – Marshal fund German fee Registration EXPENSES INCOME Apx. 39 x 6 600 x 265.00 participants 540 # of units # of units 4,200.00 5,000.00 12,500.00 18,000.00 15,000.00 5,700.00 12,300.00 140,400.00 15,000.00 25,000.00 15,000.00 15,000.00 143,100.00 Amount Amount Amount 213,100.00 EUR 213,100.00 EUR TOTAL TOTAL 25,000.00 Follow up

36 EUDC 2012 OPEN COMMUNICATION Serbian Debate Network

Prve pruge 21, 11000 Belgrade Republic of Serbia +381 60 72 000 87

www.eudc2012.org [email protected] [email protected]

www.ok.org.rs [email protected]

37 The Belgrade Bid