Doha Debates asks: One Form of Government for All?
Applications are open for Cohort 7. Deadline July 20, 2025
Apply for the Program
What is the Doha Debates Ambassador Program?
The Doha Debates Ambassador Program is an expertly mentored virtual convening of young leaders from across the globe who are eager to change how we conduct public discourse, solve problems and build a healthy, equitable future through Majlis-style debate.
Our ambassadors are a highly selective cohort of truth-seeking, intellectually curious young change-makers from diverse backgrounds. They are each committed to engaging in challenging conversations about critical global issues in an attempt to find common ground and generate sustainable solutions that benefit everyone. They are the trailblazers who will bring about much-needed global change through skilled dialogue, critical thinking and inclusive, flexible mindsets.
Guided by facilitation and intercultural communication expert Dr. Brandon Ferderer and systems-thinking specialist Jennifer Geist, participants cultivate a systems-thinking approach to understanding the current global problems that are most important to them, gaining the ability to see interconnections and analyze complex dynamics. They learn to value and embrace diverse worldviews, especially those at the margins, which play a critical role in seeking inclusive, fair solutions.
Why did we create the Doha Debates Ambassador Program?
In order to accelerate positive global change, we need all hands on deck. Youth from all around the world need to collaborate and think differently than prior generations. They need a brave space like the Majlis, where they can cultivate community, advance consensus-building skills, leverage the power and intelligence of intercultural perspectives and ignite our capacity for collective action.
What do ambassadors gain from participating?
Throughout the course of the program, participants interact weekly with expert facilitators, mentors and each other to practice the skills they are learning. A combination of systems thinking, Majlis-style discussion, storytelling and consensus building helps participants learn how to:
- facilitate and participate in discussions of complex global issues
- effectively navigate intercultural communication
- articulate and understand their own worldview and those of others
- effectively tell their own story to engage people with an issue
- develop and explore personal connections to global issues
- better understand people and the motivations behind their positions
- cultivate lifelong relationships with a diverse international peer group and learning circle
- engage with Doha Debates staff and events, making connections for continued work
- learn how to hold open, productive community discussion events at home, school and work (in person and virtually)
How does the program work?
The seventh cohort of the Doha Debates Ambassador Program will be conducted in two parts:
Part One: Community of Practice [September 2 – 30, 2025]
Successful applicants will be invited to join a Community of Practice (CoP) to explore Majlis-style debate, communication skills and consensus building with global peers. At the end of these five weeks, you will be invited to continue on and become a Doha Debates Ambassador provided you have fully participated in the program.
Engagement will take place in three ways:
- Weekly Zoom calls: Tuesdays 7- 8:30 pm AST
- Weekly forum discussions: on the Participate platform
- Whatsapp group and email
Participants should expect to spend a total of 3–4 hours each week engaged in Part One of the program. Upon completion of this part of the program, participants will earn a Doha Debates Community of Practice Credential which can be posted to Linked In.
Part Two: Ambassador Program [October 14 – Dec 2, 2025]
Upon successful completion of the Community of Practice, cohort members will be invited to engage in eight additional weeks of the program, deepening the practice of Majlis-style debate and working in small teams to produce a capstone project. Engagement will take place in three ways:
- Weekly Zoom calls: Tuesdays 7- 8:30 pm AST
- Weekly forum discussions: on Participate platform
- Whatsapp group and email
Participants should expect to spend a total of 4–5 hours each week engaged in Part Two of the program. Upon completion of this part of the program, participants will earn an official Doha Debates Ambassador Program Certificate, and become eligible for additional opportunities with the organization.
Additionally, alumni from both parts of the program are invited to stay engaged with Doha Debates through events, conversations, workshops, debates and more. They may also be selected to serve as mentors for future cohorts.
Am I eligible for the program?
Eligible candidates for the Doha Debates Ambassador Program must be:
- Between the ages of 18-26 at the start of the program on September 2, 2025
- Able to access reliable internet for video conferencing
- A fluent English speaker
- Committed to the program and able to attend the calls
- Preference will be given to applicants who complete the Introduction to the Majlis course in our Doha Debates Learning Community on the Participate platform.
Key dates for Doha Debates Ambassador Program, Cohort 7
- June 15 – July 20, 2025: Applications open
- August 3, 2025: Notification of acceptance for Part One: Community of Practice
- Sept 2 – 30, 2025: Join Part One: Community of Practice
- Oct 14- Dec 2, 2025: Join Part Two: Ambassador Program
Follow us at @DohaDebates on all social platforms to be the first to learn how to apply for future cohorts.