37 students participate in Peace Debate
States Assembly
21 November 2025
Students from seven of the Island’s secondary schools met in the States Chamber this morning to debate whether the Nobel Peace Prize still has an important role to play in promoting world peace. The Bailiff, Robert MacRae, presided, and long-standing Rotarian, Tony Allchurch, gave a keynote speech, followed by presentations from each school on the following themes:- Jersey College for Girls: “The Nobel Prize is a political pawn.”
- De La Salle College: “The Nobel Peace Prize - a symbol of prestige and politics, not progress".
- Hautlieu School: “Peace, Prizes and Paradoxes”
- Haute Vallée School: Why is the Nobel Peace Prize still important today?
- Les Quennevais School: “The Nobel Peace Prize is hypocritical”
- Beaulieu Convent School: “A symbol that no longer serves its purpose”
- Victoria College: “The Nobel Peace Prize in 2025: a Symbol without Strength”
The debate proved extremely thought provoking, with a wide range of compelling speeches, probing questions and insightful answers, and was evidently enjoyed by the States Members, teachers, friends and family supporting from the Public Gallery. At its conclusion, the Bailiff proposed the motion that ‘The Nobel Peace Prize still has a useful purpose today’, which was decisively rejected by the students assembled, with 12 votes in favour, 24 against and 0 abstentions.
Toni Roberts from the Rotary Club Jersey closed proceedings with a vote of thanks and awarded the Colin Powell trophy for ‘Best Presentation’ to Hautlieu’s team consisting of Kate, Dominic, Sam and Alex. The Rotarians present commented that they were inspired by the passion and commitment demonstrated by these young people and optimistic about the leaders and peacemakers of the future.
You can re-watch the debate here: Rotary Peace Debate - Friday 21 November 2025, 10:00am - States of Jersey Webcasting
