Doha, Qatar – Qatar Foundation’s Doha Debates recently hosted its inaugural Latin America town hall, focusing on the critical question of urban development and the future of cities. The event, held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, brought together students from Qatar, Argentina, and Chile with leading experts to discuss innovative approaches to city planning and address challenges related to equity and sustainability. This initiative underscores a growing global focus on reimagining urban spaces for the 21st century.
The town hall, a collaboration with Qatar’s Years of Culture, took place at Usina del Arte and featured a moderated discussion between students and experts in urban planning and economics. The event aimed to foster cross-cultural dialogue and provide a platform for young people to contribute to conversations shaping their communities. The discussion is now available for public viewing on Doha Debates and Al Jazeera Digital platforms.
Reinventing the City: A Global Conversation
The core theme of the town hall, urban development, is increasingly relevant as cities worldwide grapple with issues like population growth, climate change, and social inequality. According to the United Nations, more than half of the world’s population currently lives in urban areas, a figure projected to rise to 68% by 2050. This rapid urbanization necessitates innovative solutions to ensure cities are livable, sustainable, and inclusive.
Expert Perspectives and Student Engagement
The debate featured insights from Guadalupe Granero Realini, an urban economist and researcher at CIPPEC Think Tank; Akel Ismail Kahera, a program director and professor of Islamic architecture and urbanism at Hamad Bin Khalifa University; and Nicholas Boys Smith, founding director of Create Streets (UK). Experts highlighted the importance of human-centered design and equitable access to resources within urban environments.
Students actively participated by posing questions and sharing their perspectives, emphasizing the importance of intergenerational and cross-cultural understanding. Participants noted the value of hearing diverse viewpoints and recognizing shared challenges. Jamila Al Humaidi, a student from Qatar, described the event as “proof that honest conversation is the bridge that connects us.”
Cultural Exchange and Dialogue
The partnership with Qatar’s Years of Culture initiative was central to the town hall’s success. Mohammed Al Kuwari, Advisor on Latin America for the Years of Culture, explained that dialogue is deeply ingrained in Arab culture, fostering a spirit of listening, learning, and finding common ground. This approach aligns with the mission of Doha Debates to promote constructive conversations on important global issues. Qatar’s Years of Culture program has previously focused on countries like Russia, the UK, and Germany, aiming to build bridges through artistic and cultural exchange.
Additionally, the event touched upon the concept of sustainable cities and the need for innovative urban planning strategies. Experts and students alike discussed the role of technology, green spaces, and community involvement in creating more resilient and equitable urban environments. The discussion also acknowledged the unique challenges faced by different regions, including infrastructure limitations and socioeconomic disparities.
The participants praised the students’ engagement and insightful contributions. Akel Ismail Kahera noted the youth’s “maturity and deep understanding of sustainability, urban planning, and global inequities.” Guadalupe Granero Realini was impressed by their “ability to debate fearlessly and challenge experts.”
Looking ahead, Doha Debates plans to continue hosting town halls in different regions, addressing a range of pressing global issues. The organization is also expected to release further episodes of its debate series and The Negotiators podcast. Future programming will likely explore the intersection of technology and urban life, as well as the role of policy in shaping sustainable urban development. The timing and location of the next town hall remain to be announced, but the organization indicated a commitment to expanding its reach and engaging with diverse audiences worldwide.
