The 2025 Inter-Schools Debate Grand Final between Kopkop College and Port Moresby National School of Excellence (POMNATS), held at APEC Haus during the final day of the PNG Resources Golden Exhibition, showcased the intellectual strength of Papua New Guinea’s youth as they explored one of the country's most pressing policy questions: “Should Papua New Guinea adopt the Resource Nationalism approach to maximize its economic and social benefits?” At the end of a well-contested and engaging debate, POMNATS emerged as the winning team, impressing the judges with their clarity of argument, strong delivery, and deep connection to the nation’s current economic realities. Both schools demonstrated critical thinking, confidence, and strong public speaking skills as they unpacked the complexities of resource governance in Papua New Guinea. Kopkop College, representing the affirmative side, began with a compelling introduction grounded in national history and economic sovereignty. Their first speaker presented arguments that included historical events such as the Bougainville crisis and referenced international models like Norway’s Petroleum Fund, advocating for increased state control over PNG’s natural resources. However, the team experienced a loss of momentum during the second speech. Second speaker appeared confident but at times disconnected from the audience. While incorporating locally relevant examples, the structure and transitions in his argument lacked fluency and impact. Time constraints also hindered delivery. Their third speaker, Dreonera Tebegetu, regained composure for the team, delivering with authority and passion. Her examples were sharp and mostly delivered without notes. However, toward the latter part of her speech, cohesion with the central argument began to weaken, affecting the overall persuasiveness of her conclusion. In contrast, POMNATS, who opposed the motion, maintained consistency throughout the period. Their second speaker, Dago Morea, stood out for his calm and measured approach. He opened with a thought-provoking quote that immediately resonated with the audience and followed up with concrete, real-world examples. His delivery was articulate and engaging, using language that connected naturally with the audience. POMNATS presented a structured argument against resource nationalism, highlighting potential economic instability, the importance of foreign investment, and the dangers of centralized resource control in a context of ongoing governance challenges. Their rebuttals were measured and evidence based. The judges commended both teams for their research, composure, and ability to critically examine such a nationally significant issue. Ultimately, Port Moresby National School of Excellence was awarded the award, praised for their coherence, depth of analysis, and practical perspective on the issue. As applause filled the room and awards were presented, the event served as a timely reminder that Papua New Guinea’s emerging generation is ready to lead critical conversations that shape the nation’s future.