English-Speaking Union

The English-Speaking Union (ESU) is an international educational charity which was founded by the journalist Sir Evelyn Wrench in 1918. The ESU aims to "bring(s) together and empower(s) people of different languages and cultures," by building skills and confidence in communication, such that individuals realize their potential. With almost 40 branches in the United Kingdom and over 50 international branches in countries around the world, the ESU promotes a variety of activities such as debating, public speaking and student exchange programmes, runs conferences and seminars, and offers scholarships, to encourage the effective use of the English language around the globe.

The Aims of the English-Speaking Union (as stated on its website) are as follows:

The Union promotes:

1. The mutual advancement of education of the English-speaking peoples of the world, in particular respecting their heritage, traditions and aspirations, the events and issues of the day affecting them, their inter-relationships and

2. The use of English as a shared language and means of international communication of knowledge and understanding:

provided always that these are at all times pursued in a non-political and non-sectarian manner.

These aims are taken from the ESU's Royal Charter