Young people in Qatar and across the globe are encouraged to apply for the sixth cohort of the Doha Debates Ambassador Programme, offered by Qatar Foundation’s Doha Debates.
The programme equips participants with critical intercultural discussion, communication and consensus-building skills to address global problems and find collaborative solutions for a healthy, equitable future.
The programme is open to fluent English speakers between the age 18-26 who have consistent access to an Internet-enabled computer for video conferencing. The deadline for applications is December 31, and interested candidates can apply at DohaDebates.com/Ambassador.
The sixth cohort will be conducted in two parts to accommodate Ramadan 2025. Successful applicants will be invited to join a community of practice from January 21 to February 25, 2025, where they will explore Majlis-style debate, systems thinking and consensus building.
Participants will engage in weekly virtual learning sessions guided by facilitation and intercultural communication expert Dr Brandon Ferderer and systems-thinking specialist Jennifer Geist, along with various international guest speakers. They will hone their skills through the lens of Doha Debates’ video series Better Conversations.
Upon successful completion of the community of practice, cohort members will be invited to engage in five additional weeks of the programme from April 1 to May 6, 2025. They will work in small teams to produce a capstone project, creating a “virtual Majlis” that inspires, educates and promotes positive social change.
Launched in 2021 with partner organisation Shared_Studios, the programme has engaged hundreds of emerging leaders, representing 50 countries in six continents. Participants learn from one another and from expert international leaders and activists, harnessing the power of dialogue and storytelling to understand and value the diverse worldviews and beliefs of their global peers.
Amjad Atallah, Doha Debates’ managing director, said: “We’re proud to play a role in developing their capacity for thoughtful, brave and compassionate leadership.”
