Meet the newest Doha Debates ambassadors

A cohort of 86 emerging leaders from around the globe have been selected to participate in the latest cohort of the Doha Debates Ambassador Program. Throughout the program, ambassadors work with facilitation and systems-thinking experts to develop advanced communication skills, engage in productive dialogue around complex global issues and work collaboratively to envision their ideal future.

Furthering Doha Debates’ mission to empower young people to bridge differences and build consensus through debate, the program hones participants’ facilitation and negotiation skills as they discuss critical issues like climate change, global governance and ethical AI with peers who have diverse worldviews. 

As preparation for the program, the incoming ambassadors completed Doha Debates’ online self-guided course, “Introduction to the Majlis,” learning to counter polarization with solutions-based dialogue rooted in the Arab tradition of the majlis (a welcoming meeting ground to openly discuss personal and community issues). This course is free and open to the public on the Participate learning platform.

Beyond developing intercultural communication skills, ambassadors form lifelong connections with one another and stay engaged with Doha Debates after the program concludes, participating in the organization’s debates, podcasts, town halls and other special events. 

Program alumni most recently took part in Doha Debates’ town hall, “Narrative power: Is the West promoting global justice?”, appearing onstage at the Bradford Literature Festival to ask questions of panelists Fatima Bhutto, Steve Clemons and Konstantin Kisin about the impact of Western narrative on the world’s perceptions of justice and free speech. Additionally, 16 alumni have been selected to mentor the new cohort and contribute to the Ambassador Program curriculum. 

Ambassadors in the newest cohort represent 33 countries across five continents, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Nigeria, Namibia, Ukraine, India, the United States and Qatar. Doha Debates’ Ambassador Program is facilitated in partnership with Shared_Studios, a global, purpose-driven startup using innovative technology to build connections and enable collaboration anywhere in the world.