The 2025 edition of the event is slated to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, a locale known for its disregard for basic human rights and unsafe for minorities,[1][2] and the first time the nation will serve as host for competition and marking WIDPSC's first Asian host since Hong Kong in 2015.

[3] The tournament was founded the same year as the World Schools Debating Championships to respond to the desire for an equivalent competition for public speaking at the international level.

Some notable past locations of the grand finals have included the Utah State Capitol, Seimas of Lithuania and Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.

The rationale behind this selection method stems from the founders' intent to assess ability on the basis of speaking to the 'common man or woman', not a specialized individual.

A notable difference between the WIDPSC and the World Schools Debating Championships – the parallel major international competition which specializes in debating rather than public speaking – is that WSDC's primary focus is on the ranking of each country's team as opposed to each individual participant's ranking.

Students from numerous countries have participated in the tournament, including: Australia, Hong Kong, Canada, the United States, England, South Africa, Lithuania, Pakistan, Cyprus, Argentina, Eswatini, Botswana, Israel, India, South Korea, Zimbabwe Germany and United Arab Emirates .

Alternatively, those with nascent or smaller programs rely on a handful of schools to select and send members; this includes Cyprus, Germany, and Pakistan.

Additionally, half of the team from the United States and Canada qualify through the International Independent Schools Public Speaking Championships.

This competition is restricted to independent schools, and is of a similar format but of lesser significance and does not have competitor qualification requirements.

The Executive Council acts in an advisory capacity to host schools and when IPSA is unable to convene.