19-year-old Omar Hazari, representing Sri Lanka, has been named the winner of the English-Speaking Union International Public Speaking Competition (IPSC) 2026. The world’s largest competition of its kind, the IPSC has involved over 100,000 students from 45 countries and regions, with the winners of each national competition coming to London for a week of cultural exchange and competition. The Grand Final took place on Friday, 17 July, at the Royal Institution and the theme was Japanese poet Yosa Buson’s haiku Lighting One Candle. This is the second consecutive victory for Sri Lanka, with last year’s IPSC having been won by Sashane Dassanayake from the country.
Omar’s winning speech centred around a bullying episode he experienced at the age of 10 which left him with a broken nose and no front teeth. Thanks to the love and support of others he was able to regain his confidence, recover from a severe stutter and go on to start an ongoing anti-bullying campaign in his school impacting on over 3,000 students – a synonym he used to show how we never know the impact our small acts of kindness will have on others. ‘The IPSC has transformed my life,’ he said. ‘Being able to bring pride to my country, Sri Lanka and my school, Royal College… Two consecutive wins for Sri Lanka is something for the history books.’ Commenting on the experience as a whole, he added, ‘The speaking part of it is just one of the reasons as to why everyone should be trying their best to get to this contest. We have had the opportunity to connect with people from all around the world and that’s something that unfortunately very few of us get to experience. It has been a wonderful experience and if I had to sum it up in three words, I’d say: Best ever event!’
Zaven Kouyoumdjian, head judge and leading Lebanese journalist, broadcaster and author, said, ‘Public speaking is all about having the courage to share your ideas, to find your voice, and to create a connection with others…The passion and sparkle I saw today in the eyes of the finalists coming from different countries and different cultures reminded me of what I see every year in Beirut [Zaven is a long-standing judge of the Lebanese competition]. After all, the values and dreams we share are greater than everything else that separates us.’
Of the six finalists, Theodora Todoran from Romania placed second with Ian Karlton Muyimba of Uganda third. Worthy runners-up were Olivia Wright representing Australia; Jordan Albert Williams representing Bermuda; and Konstantin Svilokos representing Serbia. Each finalist presented compelling speeches that highlighted their public speaking prowess and critical thinking skills.
During the finals week, participants enjoyed a variety of cultural and educational activities, including visits to the Tate Modern and London County Hall, and public speaking training sessions conducted by experienced professionals.
The IPSC, established in 1980, is a cornerstone of the English-Speaking Union’s mission to promote oracy, cultural exchange, and international understanding. The competition has grown to include over 100,000 young people from more than 40 countries, showcasing the highest standards of public speaking and offering participants the opportunity to engage with peers from different cultural backgrounds.
