The Olivant Belgium Conference ( French : Conférence Olivaint de Belgique , Dutch : Olivaint Genootschap van België ) is a Belgian independent, multilingual organization and student debate alliance founded in 1954 .
It is the only student organization in Belgium that works in both official languages ( Dutch and French ). The purpose of the organization is to prepare its members for public life. The emphasis is on teaching oratory, debating, writing letters and conducting conferences with top politicians , scientists and businessmen. The conference limits the number of members to 50 people per semester. Membership is limited to two years. Applicants must submit a written application and undergo an interview conducted by the Board of Directors of the conference.
Famous Former Conference Members
The association has trained several Belgian politicians, scientists and businessmen.
- Dehane, Jean- Luc Dehaene, Belgian statesman and politician
- Jacques van Ypersele de Strihou, chief of atf albert II
- François-Xavier de Donnea, Belgian politician ( Reformed movement ) and former mayor of Brussels