Doha Debates Ambassador 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.

Through the program, 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 sixth cohort of the Doha Debates Ambassador Program will be conducted in two parts, in order to accommodate Ramadan 2025.

Part One: Community of Practice (January 21 – February 25, 2025)

Successful applicants will be invited to join a community of practice to explore majlis-style debate, systems thinking and consensus building with global peers. They will be guided by facilitation and intercultural communication expert Dr. Brandon Ferderer and systems-thinking specialist Jennifer Geist, along with various international guest speakers. 

Community members will engage synchronously (via 90-minute Zoom meetings every Tuesday) and asynchronously (via the Participate platform). 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 certificate.

Part Two: Ambassador Program (April 1 – May 6, 2025)

Upon successful completion of the community of practice, cohort members will be invited to engage in five additional weeks of the program. They will work in small teams to produce a capstone project, creating a “Virtual Majlis” that inspires, educates and promotes positive social change.

Ambassadors will engage synchronously (via 90-minute Zoom meetings every Tuesday) and asynchronously (via the Participate platform). 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 a Doha Debates Ambassador Program certificate.

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 January 21, 2025
• Able to access reliable internet for videoconferencing
• A fluent English speaker
• Committed to the program and able to attend the calls

Follow us at @DohaDebates on all social platforms to be the first to learn how to apply for future cohorts.