The English-Speaking Union (ESU), which is helping to organise London Australs, is an international educational charity which aims to enhance global understanding through communication and dialogue.

Founded in 1918, the ESU promotes persuasive communication, including through public speaking and debating programmes and competitions, from primary school to university level – including the prestigious annual Schools Mace and John Smith Memorial Mace debating competitions and the national and international Public Speaking competitions. More information about ESU’s speech and debate training work can be found at: www.BritishDebate.com.

The ESU’s other activities include organising international conferences, seminars and lecture series on important current issues; administering international youth exchange and work experience schemes, awarding scholarships and bursaries, and supporting cultural activities. More information about the ESU can be found at: www.esu.org.