Global connections
Doha Debates brings together diverse perspectives for vibrant dialogue on urgent issues. In partnership with Shared_Studios, our Doha Portal provides a curated space to learn, question and connect.
Connecting people around the globe isn’t just about computers or phones. Shared_Studios’ Portals use physical spaces—like shipping containers, school buses and even inflatable rooms—coupled with technology to make people feel like they’re sharing the same space with somebody elsewhere in the world.
The Doha Portal is a space for productive dialogue using the Majlis style of debate, which welcomes diverse worldviews and open discussion. Majlis-style debates illuminate points of agreement and common interests, rather than amplifying differences. The Portal uses these facilitated, Majlis-style conversations to connect people around the world, guiding participants to find new ideas and innovative solutions to complex issues that affect us all.
Activations
Between November 20 and December 17, the Doha Portal connected World Cup fans around the world to discuss questions about football fandom, gender inequality, how to use the power of football to fight climate change and more.
Staying true to ourselves through making football truly global
Football fever: How to embrace fandom
SportsXArt: Creating a new platform to promote peace
Harnessing the power of football to fight climate change
Leveling the playing field: Gender equality in sport
Harnessing the power of football to overcome social exclusion
Testimonials
“The Doha Debates Portal has been an eye-opening experience for me both as a Lithuanian and an aspiring journalism student. To be instantly connected in real-time with someone across the world for a discussion is fascinating. I was able to ask questions that are vital for me, directly hear genuine opinions and responses and challenge my perception of global issues for the better.”
Beatrice Zemelyte
Journalism Student | Northwestern University in Qatar
“In the portal, we connected to Gaza City. The topic that we decided to touch on is sport, and how sport can bring people together. But the issues coming out there were really interesting because sport was linked to gender equality.”
Ameenah Gurib-Fakim
Former President of Mauritius
“Via the portal, I had the chance to connect with people in Erbil in Iraq, discover what life is like in Iraq and learn more in depth about their culture and food. It was a nice experience engaging in the Portal!”
Dana
Primary School Student | Qatar Academy Wakra School
“I enjoyed talking to people in the United States via the Portal. It was really interesting to know how is it like there, especially with racial discrimination. [We also talked] about capitalism and changes that can help us adapt to social responsibilities in different societies.”
Mohamed
Mechanical Engineering Student | Texas A&M University in Qatar
Portals around the world
Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
La Paz, Bolivia.
Nakivale, Uganda.
Arlington, Virginia, USA.
Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.
Brooklyn, New York, USA.
Sunnyvale, California, USA.
Mexico City, Mexico.
Erbil, Iraq.
Washington, DC, USA.
Gaza City, Palestine.
Kigali, Rwanda, and Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA.
Andover, Massachusetts, USA.
Bamako, Mali.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
How to participate
Stay up to date on upcoming Portal connections by following the @DohaPortal Instagram account, and follow the conversation on social media using the hashtags #DearWorld and #DohaPortal.