Doha, Qatar: QatarDebate, founded by Qatar Foundation, concluded the second edition of the International Debate and Dialogue Conference yesterday.
The two-day conference, attended by approximately 1,200 participants, brought together elite thinkers and academics from various disciplines from more than 36 countries.
It also welcomed participants from prestigious universities around the world that adopt debate as part of their curricula and extracurricular activities, as well as representatives from leading civil society organizations engaged in community building, particularly among younger generations.
Reflecting on the success of the conference, Director of Programs at QatarDebate Abdulrahman Al-Subaie, delivered a speech during the closing ceremony in which he emphasized that the conference “represents an important opportunity for researchers in the fields of dialogue, debate, and human communication to present research papers that reflect efforts across all sectors related to debate as a venerable art form and dialogue as a sublime form of communication.”
Further underscoring the conference’s significance, Al-Subaie noted that it aligns with the pioneering role of Qatar as one of the largest incubators of global dialogue and negotiation for peace, security, and justice. He added, “By the grace of God, Qatar’s efforts have culminated in global achievements that have contributed to establishing peace and providing relief to those threatened in environments of danger and conflict.”
He continued, “We live in an era where it is not enough to simply be right, but you must stand up for what is right. It is not enough to seek the truth, but also to desire it. It is not enough to be good, but you must also be a reformer.” Al-Subaie concluded his speech by thanking Qatar Foundation and all the partners who support QatarDebate’s mission, praising the significant impact the center has achieved regionally and globally.
As a highlight of the conference, a public dialogue session brought together Anas Bukhash, host of ABTalks, and Mohamed Islam, host of Mo Show, in a conversation moderated by Mo hammad Saadon Al-Kuwari. The session focused on the topic: “Media Trailblazers: Multiple Approaches... Collective Goal.”
In a dynamic exchange, the speakers discussed the diversity of their approaches and content, and their shared goals of breaking stereotypes, promoting transparency, and building trust in societies that still cling to traditional forms of expression.
Moreover, the final day also featured the recording of a special podcast in collaboration with media partner Doha Plus, as part of efforts to document the conference outcomes and expand the scope of meaningful discussions.
