The English-Speaking Union
The English-Speaking Union's mission
The ESU exists to create global understanding through the shared use of the English language. We achieve our aim through conferences and seminars, scholarshops and exchange programmes, debating and public speaking activities and our network of tens of thousands of members worldwide.
The young people who take part in our programmes nationally and internationally emerge better equipped to contribute to their society and to a better understanding of the world, by using a shared language to reach across the barriers of geography and traditional divisions.
The ESU in London works in partnership with over 50 ESUs worldwide, which have been established, since our foundation in the United Kingdom and United States in 1918, in every continent; most recently we have seen rapid expansion in East Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Africa and Latin America.
Patron: Her Majesty the Queen
President: HRH The Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh KG KTC
Chairman: The Rt Hon The Lord Hunt of Wirral MBE PC
Deputy Chairman: Mr Edward Gould
Director-General: Mrs Valerie Mitchell OBE
Latest events
The ESU International Public Speaking Competition 2010
May 17th until May 21st
The topic for this competition is:
Speculation on Our Future.
Supported by HSBC Global Education Trust
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The ESU International Public Speaking Competition 2009
May 18th until May 21st
The topic for this competition is:
Regeneration and Renewal.
Supported by HSBC Global Education Trust
more >>