Tribune News Network
Doha
Young people in Qatar and across the globe are invited to apply for the fifth cohort of the Doha Debates Ambassador Programme, which equips youth leaders with the skills they need to conduct intercultural discussions, address global problems and build a healthy, equitable future.
Offered by Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Doha Debates, the virtual 12-week programme combines majlis-style discussion, storytelling, consensus building and systems thinking to help ambassadors explore, debate and generate solutions to the world issues that are most important to them.
From September 3 to November 27, 2024, ambassadors will attend weekly sessions guided by facilitation expert Dr Brandon Ferderer, systems-thinking specialist Jennifer Geist, and other international guest speakers.
Through the lens of Doha Debates’ podcast ‘The Negotiators’, ambassadors will learn to facilitate and participate in discussions of complex global problems. They’ll also learn to understand and value the diverse worldviews and personal stories of their fellow ambassadors—a take-away the previous cohort valued.
“I have realised that sharing your story allows you to learn more about yourself, your character, your beliefs and the causes close to your heart,” said Methode Emmanuel Ihirwe, a Rwandan biomedical laboratory sciences student who participated in in the fourth cohort. “Every one of us is unique, which is why there are lessons that we learn from each other’s perspectives.”
Programme alumni also stay actively engaged with Doha Debates, representing the organisation at high-profile events and projects. Ambassadors were part of the onstage audience at three Doha Debates town halls in 2023, asking questions of the expert guests, and have also posed questions to further discussion on episodes of the ‘Doha Debates Podcast’.
Previous ambassadors Jannatul Mawa, Terkpertey Andrews Terku, Pin-anong Weesapen, Jossiah Jireh Faith Camus Montives, Fatima Nazar and Gustavo Souza also served as mentors to the fourth cohort in 2024.
Amjad Atallah, Doha Debates’ managing sirector, said: “In order to bring about positive global change, the next generation of leaders needs a brave space where they can cultivate community, seek out truth, understand intercultural perspectives, and take on the world’s most challenging problems. The Doha Debates Ambassador Programme is that space, and we’re thrilled to offer such a unique and inspiring opportunity to these trailblazers who are forging a more hopeful future.”
The programme is held in partnership with Shared_Studios, a purpose-driven startup using innovative technology to build connections and enable collaboration anywhere in the world.
The Doha Debates Ambassador Programme is open to fluent English speakers between the ages 18 and 26 years who have consistent access to an internet-enabled computer for video conferencing. Potential candidates should join Doha Debates’ online community and complete the brief ‘Introduction to the Majlis’ course, after which they will be prompted to submit an application: https://dohadebates.com/IntroMajlis.
The deadline for application is July 25, 2024.
