Doha, Qatar: Young people in Qatar and around the world are invited to apply for the fifth cohort of the Doha Debates Ambassador Program. This initiative aims to equip youth leaders with the skills needed for intercultural discussions, addressing global challenges, and building a healthier, more equitable future.
Offered by Qatar Foundation’s Doha Debates, this virtual 12-week program combines majlis-style discussions, storytelling, consensus building, and systems thinking. It helps ambassadors explore, debate, and generate solutions to pressing global issues.
From September 3 to November 27, 2024, ambassadors will participate in weekly sessions led by facilitation expert Dr. Brandon Ferderer, systems-thinking specialist Jennifer Geist, and other international guest speakers.
Using Doha Debates’ podcast “The Negotiators” as a framework, ambassadors will learn to facilitate and engage in discussions on complex global problems. They’ll gain an appreciation for diverse worldviews and personal stories, a takeaway that previous participants highly valued.
"I have realized that sharing your story allows you to learn more about yourself, your character, your beliefs, and the causes close to your heart," said Methode Emmanuel Ihirwe, a Rwandan biomedical laboratory sciences student and member of the fourth cohort. "Every one of us is unique, which is why there are lessons that we learn from each other's perspectives."
Program alumni stay actively involved with Doha Debates, representing the organization at high-profile events and projects. Ambassadors have participated in onstage audiences at three Doha Debates town halls in 2023, asking questions of expert guests, and have contributed to discussions on the “Doha Debates Podcast.”
Previous ambassadors Jannatul Mawa, Terkpertey Andrews Terku, Pin-anong Weesapen, Jossiah Jireh Faith Camus Montives, Fatima Nazar, and Gustavo Souza served as mentors to the fourth cohort in 2024.
Amjad Atallah, Doha Debates’ Managing Director, stated: “To bring about positive global change, the next generation of leaders needs a brave space where they can cultivate community, seek out truth, understand intercultural perspectives, and tackle the world’s most challenging problems. The Doha Debates Ambassador Program is that space, and we’re thrilled to offer such a unique and inspiring opportunity to these trailblazers who are forging a more hopeful future.”
The program, in partnership with Shared Studios, utilizes innovative technology to build connections and enable collaboration worldwide.
The Doha Debates Ambassador Program is open to fluent English speakers aged 18 to 26 who have consistent access to an internet-enabled computer for video conferencing. Potential candidates should join Doha Debates’ online community and complete the brief “Introduction to the Majlis” course, after which they will be prompted to submit an application: https://dohadebates.com/IntroMajlis.
The application deadline is July 25, 2024. Interested candidates can learn more and apply at DohaDebates.com/Ambassador.