Almaty WUDC 2027

We lost the bid to host WUDC 2027. While this is not the result we had hoped for, our commitment to bringing Worlds to Central Asia remains unwavering.

We deeply believe in the talent, dedication, and potential of Central Asian debaters, and we hope that future WUDC hosts will continue to support greater access and inclusion for our region’s teams and across the world!

That being said, we would like to offer our genuine congratulations to Ottawa WUDC 2027 on their successful bid! We look forward to an incredible tournament in Canada.

Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who worked tirelessly on the Almaty bid team - our CA Team, great bunch of Advisors and our incredible Tab Directors. We truly appreciate everything you’ve done to support our bid.

We are thrilled to announce that KIMEP University officials have fully endorsed our bid for the Almaty WUDC!

With a strong track record of hosting prestigious international and national events, including TED Talks and high-profile conferences, KIMEP University is well-equipped to provide an outstanding venue for the championship.

The university offers exceptional accessibility, featuring step-free access, elevators, and accessible bathrooms. Additionally, its excellent acoustics and customizable lighting ensure an optimal environment for debate rounds and ceremonies.

Explore KIMEP University’s facilities through this 3D tour and see why it is the perfect setting for Almaty WUDC!
https://www.kimep.kz/en/3d-tour

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT – ALMATY WUDC 2027

Not all circuits have access to the same resources, but WUDC should be a tournament that supports and develops the global debate community. We believe it’s our responsibility to provide meaningful training opportunities for debaters and judges, regardless of where they are from. That’s why our CA team has developed a training and development program focused on long-term impact.

The programme is availiable here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jRXcwmvOgU-RYEa_fQBWm7e6gI75vIXL/view?usp=sharing

We believe WUDC should do more than just host a great tournament—it should leave a lasting impact.

TRAVEL DESTINATIONS WITHIN AND NEAR KAZAKHSTAN

Dear Debating community,

We are thrilled to provide you with information about exciting travel opportunities both within Kazakhstan and to the incredible neighboring countries nearby. Whether you’re looking to explore Kazakhstan’s stunning natural landscapes and rich culture or venture into the unique experiences offered by our neighboring destinations, we’re here to help you plan unforgettable trips. From the serene beauty of Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan to the historical treasures of Uzbekistan, the options are endless.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fBj0htWI3WD4UijFKEISsUUDNsWirCtH/view?usp=sharing

Both Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan are considered safe for international travelers. Bishkek and Tashkent are the capitals, home to numerous international organizations and headquarters, reflecting a welcoming and secure environment for foreigners.

Let us guide you toward your next adventure!

LIVING COSTS IN ALMATY

We know that for many participants, indirect costs—like living expenses in the host city—are an important consideration when choosing a tournament. Almaty is the perfect fit: it's not only affordable but also offers excellent value for your money, making it an ideal destination for debaters from around the world.

With a wide range of affordable options for food, drinks, and activities, you can enjoy everything the city has to offer without breaking the bank. Here’s a quick look at the costs you can expect:

- Food
Pizza: ~$5-6
Small chocolate bar: ~$0.5
Burger: ~$4-5

- Drinks
0.5L bottled water: ~$0.5
Red Bull (0.25L): ~$1
Canned beer (store): ~$1
Beer (bar): ~$3-4

- Transport
Taxi: ~$4-8
Metro/buses: $0.2 per ride

- Tourist Attractions

Skiing at Shymbulak: ~$40 (with equipment, ski and lift pass)
Spa in the mountains: ~$15-20 per person
Kok-Tobe cableway: ~$5
Average museum entry: ~$4-5 or free
Medeo ice rink: ~$5

In Almaty, you’ll not only find an affordable living situation but also a variety of activities to relax and unwind after a day of debates. From nature spots to cultural attractions, everything is accessible at reasonable prices. Plus, the city’s efficient public transport system and walkable areas make it easy to get around, adding to the convenience of your stay.

BID QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

To help the global debating community stay informed, we’re sharing a public spreadsheet that compiles responses from all bidding Organizing Committees to community members’ concerns. We encourage everyone to review the document.

Check out the spreadsheet here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10xXeE2A7GBKS-mbnzfsH_4zXWFUPOwCmN-tC2dT0Kio/edit?usp=sharing

SCHOLARSHIP COMMITMENTS AND IA BUDGET

We're committed to supporting underrepresented regions and ensuring Almaty WUDC 2027 is a platform accessible for voices from across the globe. Here are our commitments for the allocation of scholarships for participants and independent adjudicators:

- Participant Scholarships
20% to Latin America and the Caribbean
20% to Africa
30% to Asia, divided as follows:
10% to South Asia
10% to Southeast Asia
10% to the rest of Asia

- Independent Adjudicator (IA) budget
10% to Africa
10% to Latin America and the Caribbean
10% to Asia

To ensure that scholarship allocations are managed fairly and transparently, we will establish a Scholarship Committee with representatives from diverse debating circuits worldwide, drawn on the expertise and guidance from our bid advisors. This committee will have full discretion to allocate funding based on need, while honoring our minimum regional commitments.

Let’s make it happen together!

VISA ACCESS

We are committed to ensuring that all participants have a smooth experience with the visa process. We understand that visa accessibility is a key concern, and to address this, we have prepared a Visa Accessibility Booklet. This resource is designed to guide participants through Kazakhstan's visa regimes and provide step-by-step instructions for acquiring a visa.

If you have any questions, please contact any member of Org comm.

https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1aQT6IpopqHKflUg4_XqIhQhSAHHfeLX9

INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY MEMBERS’ EXPERIENCE WITH KAZAKHSTANI DEBATING COMMUNITY

To give you a better sense of what the Kazakhstani debating community is all about, we asked our guests who attended our 2024 tournaments to share their thoughts on the organization, cities, and people.

Hear what Tin Puljić and Robert Raos had to say!

https://teletype.in//kLuMzIF_u_x

BID RELEASE

We are delighted to share an updated version of bid to host Almaty WUDC 2027!
We commit to make the tournament accessible, inclusive, competitive and full of memories.

This bid reflects the dedication and passion of our entire team, and we’re very grateful for the insights and guidance from the global debating community that have helped shape it.

Almaty, with its breathtaking mountain views, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant debate community, is ready to welcome you.

We invite you to review the bid and stay tuned—exciting updates, including our CA training program, will be announced soon! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1cgePS1Q98POUXft26OVW-FkuPOBNQXrK?usp=sharing

SOCIALS

We’ve planned an incredible lineup of events to make your Almaty WUDC experience unforgettable. Here’s a glimpse of what’s waiting for you:

Opening Ceremony
Start the tournament on a high note with a celebration rooted in Kazakh traditions. Music performances, national costumes and local cuisine will await you here.

Culture Night
Showcase the diversity of WUDC with an evening of traditions from around the globe. This is your chance to connect and celebrate the community’s unique backgrounds.

Break Night
Celebrate in style at Kazakhstan’s biggest club space. Expect music, dancing, and an electric atmosphere as we announce the breaking teams.

Optional Day Trips (January 1)
Take some time to explore Almaty’s winter charm with these activities:

- Horseriding: Experience Kazakhstan’s equestrian heritage.
- Snowboarding: Hit the slopes in one of Almaty’s stunning mountain resorts.
- Iceskating: Enjoy a classic winter activity at a picturesque rink.
Guided Tours
- Explore Almaty’s history, culture, and landmarks with guided tours. From mountain views to bustling streets, discover what makes this city so special.

Closing Ceremony
End the tournament at one of Almaty’s grandest banquet halls. It’s an evening of celebration, awards, and final goodbyes—one to remember for years to come.

With everything from cultural experiences to winter adventures, Almaty WUDC 2027 is more than a tournament—it’s an experience.

ADVISORS

We are very excited to announce the members of our esteemed board of advisors! We are immensely honoured to have them on this bid and are sure their input would be invaluable making Almaty WUDC 2027 an incredible event that everyone can enjoy. We are incredibly grateful for provided commentary to make our bid stronger!