The 7th International Universities Debating Championship, organised by the QatarDebate Centre, kicked off at the Qatar National Convention Centre with over 600 participants from more than 50 countries. This event is one of the largest international Arabic debate competitions, providing a platform for students from diverse backgrounds to engage in intellectual exchanges. The opening ceremony featured speeches from prominent figures in the debate community, including Abdulrahman Al Subaie, Programme Director at QatarDebate, who highlighted the educational goals of the championship.
In an exclusive interview with The Peninsula, Al Subaie emphasized the importance of research and preparedness for the debaters, as they would be discussing a wide range of topics such as politics, healthcare, and sports. He also discussed the impact of the championship in fostering debate cultures worldwide, noting that some participants have taken the idea of QatarDebate back to their homes to establish debate centers. Al Subaie encouraged them to continue their efforts, stating that QatarDebate would continue to support them even after the event.
Participants in the championship are divided into two categories: native Arabic speakers and non-native Arabic speakers, and will be debating on contemporary issues like social justice, economic development, and environmental sustainability. Muhammad Riyas, a debate judge from India, expressed his excitement about being part of the event and engaging with young people from different cultures and backgrounds. The championship is seen as a unique opportunity for debaters to network, exchange ideas, and gain valuable experience.
Younes Erwin, a debater from Morocco, shared his enthusiasm for representing his country in the championship and building networks with youth from different continents. Similarly, Mohammed Noufal, a young debater from India, highlighted the significance of the event for the debating community, stating that the experience gained from the championship was the best he has ever had. The event, organised in partnership with Doha Forum, Al Jazeera Media Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s Translation and Interpretation Institute, and Doha International Family Institute, will continue over five days, with top teams and individual speakers being recognized during the closing ceremony.
