ISN Students selected to participate in Parlement Européen des Lycéens Strasbourg 2026

A group of students from the International School of Nice (ISN) studying Global Politics, TOK, and the Humanities has been selected to participate in the 8th edition of the Parlement Européen des Lycéens (PEL), a highly respected European parliamentary simulation. The final event of PEL 2026 will take place at the European Parliament in Strasbourg from June 22 to June 24, 2026.

For its 8th edition, the PEL will unite more than 34 schools, over 480 participants, 12+ countries, and 25+ nationalities. The programme provides a unique opportunity for students to experience European democracy in action while debating some of the most pressing global issues shaping our future.

Being selected for this programme is both a significant honour and a remarkable accomplishment for ISN students. Participants are expected to demonstrate strong academic knowledge while debating, negotiating, and collaborating at a high level in multiple languages. This demanding environment reflects the values of the IB Learner Profile and High-Performance Learning (HPL), encouraging internationally minded, articulate, and responsible young leaders prepared to navigate complex global challenges.

Many of the debates this year focus on major contemporary topics such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, democracy, digital rights, and global security — themes that are particularly relevant for ISN as the school continues exploring the impact of emerging technologies across education, ethics, and society. The experience will also serve as a foundation for future interdisciplinary initiatives connected to AI, global politics, and digital citizenship within the school community.

Mel Curtis, ISN Director, highlights the importance of these discussions for the future of learning and innovation at ISN: “PEL Strasbourg offers our students an exceptional opportunity to engage directly with the defining challenges of their generation — from artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to democracy and digital responsibility. At ISN, we believe these discussions are essential in preparing young people to think critically, lead ethically, and contribute responsibly in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.”

Sergio Galvis, Humanities Coordinator at ISN, also emphasises the long-term educational impact of the experience: "Through the PEL Strasbourg project, our students are engaging with urgent questions around artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, democracy, and digital responsibility. These topics matter deeply because they will shape not only their future studies and careers, but also the kind of citizens and decision-makers they will become.”

Discussing the importance of the issues explored during the programme, Adrian (Grade10) emphasised how PEL Strasbourg provides students with a deeper understanding of contemporary European challenges: "PEL goes far beyond a normal school debate; it shows how complex European decision-making really is and how difficult it can be to balance economic, environmental and political interests at the same time. As Chairperson of the EPP committee debating water resilience and climate risk preparedness, I’ve especially enjoyed working on issues that already affect millions of Europeans today. I’m also part of the personal debate workgroup on cybersecurity and the protection of critical infrastructure, which I find particularly relevant because it reflects how modern European politics is increasingly shaped by technology, digital security, and geopolitical challenges."

Focusing on the challenges of cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection, Julia (Grade 10) explained: “The growing importance of cybersecurity strategies and the protection of critical infrastructure has become a major concern in today’s society. As technology and internet use continue to shape our daily lives, I believe it is essential for everyone to understand how to protect themselves from its potential digital threats. Since I aspire to pursue a career in law and international relations, this topic is particularly important for developing relevant and effective solutions. Studying it has allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of these issues while exploring how European laws and legislation can help prevent and address emerging cyber threats.”

Anne-Sophie (Grade 11) also shared her interest in international relations and the role of the European Union in responding to global conflicts: “The role of the European Union in conflicts with authoritarian states is important to me because, as someone interested in politics and international relations, I hope to gain a deeper insight into political decision-making and international cooperation within the EU, especially in times of global conflict.”

As ISN students prepare to represent the school on the European stage, their participation in PEL Strasbourg reflects the school’s ongoing commitment to developing thoughtful, globally minded leaders ready to engage with the opportunities, responsibilities, and challenges of a future increasingly shaped by innovation, international cooperation, and emerging technologies.