In a world marked by uncertainty, where many young people are asked to navigate an increasingly complex future, ensuring they are heard has never been more important.
Barcelona-based non-profit 4Voices celebrates its fifth annual public speaking competition this year, inviting teenagers across Spain to reflect on a timeless and deeply personal question: “What Is a Life Well Lived?”
On April 19th at CosmoCaixa, twelve exceptional finalists from 4ESO and 1BXT will take to the stage, each bringing their own perspective and courage to this challenging theme.
Cormac Walsh.
Selected from schools across Spain—from Granada to Girona—the finalists earned their place after participating in an intensive Bootcamp at the Swiss Business School in Barcelona. There, they refined their ideas under the guidance of expert mentors and learned some of the key aspects of public speaking—from voice delivery to finding your “why.”
Their words offer a powerful glimpse into how the next generation sees the world.
“Together, these young voices reflect a generation that is not passive, but thoughtful, engaged and determined to shape the future” explains 4Voices co-founder Gabriella Opaz.
Gabriella Opaz.
For Ben Hönig of Anne Sullivan International School, a life well lived is about legacy and meaning: “Live so that when you die, you leave behind a key, not a sealed door… all you have left is what you left behind.”
Ben Hönig.
Others challenge the systems around them. Sol Gibbs Claver from FX Film School calls on adults to nurture young ambition: “If a kid has a growing passion and it isn’t on the curriculum, don’t pour a bucket of cold water over it… fan the flames and see just how big the bonfire can be.”
The power of expression itself is a recurring theme. Aleksandra Konovalova of Barcelona High School reflects on the importance of voice and communication: “Only by speaking can we understand ourselves, the world around us, and what it means to be human.”
For Alicia Mestre of Escola Frederic Mistral Tècnic Eulàlia, the stage becomes a platform for advocacy and equality. Speaking on behalf of “the 4.1 billion people who feel unheard,” she challenges stereotypes with a bold declaration: “I do run like a girl. How much better could I live?”
And for Polina Gaichuk of Saint George’s School (Fornells), a meaningful life is defined by courage: “Safe actions make comfortable, but forgettable lives… brave actions make memorable ones.”
“We often forget that young people can be our greatest teachers,” says co-founder Carrie Frais. “They see the world from a different and often incredibly positive perspective. They want to create change and are willing to act to ensure the world they inherit is one that makes them happy.”
Carrie Frais.
Founded in 2021 during the uncertainty of the COVID pandemic, 4Voices was created by communication and education specialists Gabriella Opaz, Cormac Walsh, Catriona Groves and Carrie Frais. Their mission was simple but powerful: to give teenagers a platform to express their ideas, challenges, hopes and fears.
Catriona Groves.
Since then, hundreds of students have taken part, many going on to use their public speaking skills at university and in their early careers.
“Public speaking is a learned skill,” explains co-founder Cormac Walsh. “We say this every year to help remove the fear for those who tremble at the thought of speaking in front of an audience. Practice truly does make progress and we see that transformation year after year.”
As 4Voices celebrates its fifth anniversary, the Grand Finale promises to be more than a competition. It is a celebration of courage, creativity and the power of young voices to shape the world around them.