Doha Debates Explained

Doha Debates
Products:Debate and interview programs, video reports, podcasts, interactive content
Parent Organization:Qatar Foundation

Doha Debates produces and distributes solutions-focused debate and interview programs, video reports and interactive content.[1] The franchise's products include flagship debates, interview series, podcasts, the #SolvingIt series, digital video reports, Deep Dive education curriculum, and the interactive Doha Portal.[2] Doha Debates is funded by Qatar Foundation.[3]

Doha Debates' content, production and distribution partners[4] have included the United Nations,[5] TED,[6] Foreign Policy,[7] the Paris Peace Forum,[8] the Sundance Institute,[9] NowThis News,[10] Vox Media,[11] Shared Studios,[12] Fortify Rights,[13] Doha Forum,[14] Rappler[15] and eNCA.[16] Doha Debates' managing director is Amjad Atallah, who previously served as a news executive at Al Jazeera America and co-founded Women for Women International.

Re-launched in 2018, Doha Debates' initial iteration ran from 2005 to 2012, when the debate program was televised by BBC World News.[17]

History

Founded in 2005, the original Doha Debates programs were moderated by former BBC correspondent and interviewer Tim Sebastian, with Qatar Foundation as the sponsor. Televised eight times a year by BBC World News until 2012, the debates were based on the Oxford Union format. They focused on a single, controversial motion, with two speakers for and against. Once they outlined their arguments, each speaker was questioned by the chairman and the discussion was then opened up to the audience for argument and a final electronic vote. Topics included torture, terrorism and suicide bombings, political turmoil and human rights. Past motions questioned whether it was time to talk to Al Qaeda, whether Hezbollah had the right to fight a war on Lebanon's behalf, and whether the pro-Israel lobby was successfully stifling criticism of the country's actions.[18]

Special events featuring Q&A sessions with a single guest included figures such as Bill Clinton, Mohamed El Baradei, Shimon Peres, Amre Moussa, Ayad Allawi, and Mahmoud Zahar.[19]

Debates

Doha Debates' marquee debate series resumed in 2019 with a new host and format. Ghida Fakhry hosts and moderates the programs with contributions from correspondent Nelufar Hedayat and bridge-building "connector" Govinda Clayton. Each program features 3-4 debaters, with each debate including a constructive consensus-targeted "majlis" session. Programs include two audience votes on speaker positions, as well as feedback from viewers around the world. Most 2019 and 2020 debate programs have been hosted in Doha's Education City, with 2019 debates also held at the Paris Peace Forum, the TEDSummit in Edinburgh, Scotland and in Cape Town, South Africa.[20]

The debate programs since the 2019 re-launch of the debate series:

In 2023, it was announced that comedian and actor "Mo" Mohammed Amer would host the upcoming series of debates.[32]

Town Halls

In March 2022, Doha Debates launched its Town Hall series with a conversation with Malala Yousafzai, the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

  1. DearWorldLive

In April 2020, in response to the global COVID-19 crisis, Doha Debates launched a weekly coronavirus-focused interview series called #DearWorldLive. Nelufar Hedayat hosts the virtual show, which each week examines a different aspect of the coronavirus and its impact on people and the world. Programs to date:

Podcasts

Course Correction

In January 2020, Doha Debates unveiled its Course Correction podcast series in which host Nelufar Hedayat "immerses herself in humanity's greatest challenges."[47]

The 2020 Sundance Film Festival played host to Course Correction's live audience debut, with Hedayat interviewing Rappler founder and CEO Maria Ressa and Ramona Diaz, whose "A Thousand Cuts" documentary on Ressa and Rappler premiered at Sundance.[48]

Other 2020 Course Correction interview subjects included Khan Academy founder Sal Khan, global strategy adviser Parag Khanna, economic anthropologist Jason Hickel, journalist Marc Lamont Hill, Jordanian diplomat Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein, water rights advocate Georgie Badiel, author Anand Giridharadas, Algorithmic Justice League founder Joy Buolamwini and Hedayat's mother, Patuni.[49]

The Negotiators

In October 2021, Foreign Policy and Doha Debates launched a jointly-produced podcast series called "The Negotiators." Hosted by Foreign Policy Deputy Editor Jennifer Williams, the podcast features interviews with key players in big international dealmaking. Topics include the Paris climate agreement, the Iran nuclear deal, and the Nigerian #BringBackOurGirls campaign.[50] The podcast has won several awards, including Best Podcast in 2024 from WAN-IFRA.[51]

The Long Game

In November 2021, Foreign Policy and Doha Debates debuted "The Long Game," their second jointly-produced podcast series. American Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad hosts the podcast, which, according to Foreign Policy, "highlights stories of courage and conviction on and off the field. From athletes who are breaking barriers for women and girls to a Syrian refugee swimmer who overcame the odds to compete at the Paralympics, the show examines the power of sport to change the world for the better."[52]

Lana

In March 2023, Doha Debates launched its first Arabic-language podcast, Lana, in partnership with Jordanian podcast company Sowt ("lana" is the Arabic word for "ours"). The podcast is hosted by Rawaa Augé, an Al Jazeera on-air host and producer who previously served as a news presenter at Al Jazeera and France 24. Lana tackles major global issues, with Doha Debates' Japhet Weeks saying, “It’s about challenging your own viewpoints by listening to other intelligent, young voices.”[53]

Doha Debates Podcast

In May 2023, Doha Debates launched "Doha Debates Podcast," their first podcast to include a video format. The podcast has a rotating series of hosts, including journalists Karen Given, Afia Pokua, Mariya Karimjee and Joshua Johnson.

Necessary Tomorrows

In January 2024, Doha Debates launched "Necessary Tomorrows," a sci-fi podcast mixing fiction and nonfiction. The series was produced in collaboration with Imposter Media and Wolf at the Door Studios, and is presented by Al Jazeera Podcasts.[54] The first episode of "Necessary Tomorrows" premiered at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival as one of their official podcast selections.[55]

  1. SolvingIt

Doha Debates' Instagram series "celebrates the next generation of leaders whose vision and work inspire hope and real change." Since its debut in August 2019, the #SolvingIt series has saluted trailblazers, including climate change activist Greta Thunberg, education advocate Malala Yousafzai, Black Lives Matter protesters, human rights champion Nadia Murad, water rights advocate Georgie Badiel, Algorithmic Justice League founder Joy Buolamwini, U.S. Climate Strike Executive Director Isra Hirsi, "Cybercode Twins" America and Penelope Lopez, Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, human rights activist Mahmoud Abugrin, environmental advocates Melati and Isabel Wijsen, Rappler founder and CEO Maria Ressa, Digital Citizens Fund founder Roya Mahboob, disability rights advocate Nawaal Akram, World Central Kitchen founder José Andrés, Syrian refugee advocate Bana al-Abed, the Parkland High School students, and UN Youth Envoy Jayathma Wickramanayake.[56]

In September 2021, ahead of the November 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, Doha Debates announced the #SolvingIt26, showcasing 26 extraordinary young climate activists around the world. Honorees were from 22 nations on six continents. The honorees were showcased in a #SolvingIt26 social media campaign in the weeks leading up to the 2021 Climate Change Conference.[57]

Video reports

Doha Debates' short films include:

Deep Dive

In 2020, Doha Debates introduced a debates-related "Deep Dive" education curriculum for high school and university teachers and students. Curriculum topics are derived from the marquee debate programs, with each topic having its own lesson plan, including active learning, collaborative learning discussions, student motivation and participation, and writing assignments. The lessons include video excerpts from related debate programs.[61]

Doha Portal

In Doha, Doha Debates hosts a mobile Shared Studios Portal, allowing members of the public to interact in real-time with users at more than 40 locations worldwide as if they are in the same room, creating a virtual majlis to discuss debate topics. Doha Portal interactive sessions have taken place from the Qatar National Library and other sites in Doha's Education City, as well as the Doha Forum.[62]

In January 2019, the Doha Portal was featured in a Doha Debates TED Salon called "Up for Debate," a session of TED-curated talks about the importance of civic discourse and debate.[63]

In November and December 2022, the Portal was a featured attraction at the 2022 FIFA World Cup Fan Zone FIFA Unity Pavilion, bringing fans together virtually for conversations with football fans and others in Portals around the world. The Doha Portal's visitors included Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates, who spoke with young people in Kigali, Rwanda.[64]

Ambassador Program

In August 2021, Doha Debates launched the inaugural edition of its Ambassador Program with 36 young participants chosen from among hundreds of applicants around the world. The solutions-focused initiative is meant "to empower a new generation of changemakers with the knowledge, tools, and relationships to bring positive change to their communities."[65]

Honors

Doha Debates' honors include:

Controversy

Pro-Israel US activist Charles Jacobs termed the Doha Debates as "the latest cunning public relations move by an illiberal regime that has been able to ingratiate itself to Western liberal elites with remarkable ease." He also condemned media and educational organizations such as NowThis, Vox, and TED Talks for partnering with Qatar to produce the Doha Debates and said, "For the right price, NowThis will ignore an egregious human rights record and overlook modern-day slavery; Vox Media will embrace a government whose treatment of laborers, gays, and minorities should relegate it to the darkest corners of the family of nations."[73]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: QF launches innovative concept for Doha Debates. 14 December 2018. The Peninsula.
  2. Web site: The Doha Debates portal. Shared Studios.com. 11 August 2020. 1 May 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210501070325/https://www.sharedstudios.com/dohadebates. dead.
  3. Web site: Millions watch QF's Doha Debates forum on socialism's pros and cons. 21 July 2020. Gulf Times.
  4. Web site: Partnerships. DohaDebates.com.
  5. Web site: Peace tech debate recap. 12 December 2019. DohaDebates.com.
  6. Web site: Partner with TED case studies, Doha Debates. TED.com.
  7. Web site: Inside the Paris Climate Agreement. Foreign Policy.
  8. Web site: Doha Debates – Can we thrive without trust in governments?. ParisPeaceForum.org.
  9. Web site: Doha Debates Presents – Targeted for telling the truth. Sundance.org.
  10. Web site: Doha Debates returns with capitalism on spotlight. 17 October 2019. The Peninsula.
  11. Web site: Vox Doha Debates A.I.. 5 April 2019. Vox.com.
  12. Web site: Doha Debates portal. 11 August 2020. 1 May 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210501070325/https://www.sharedstudios.com/dohadebates. dead.
  13. Web site: Fortify Rights & Doha Debates Rohingya Instagram Fellows.
  14. Web site: Doha Forum media partners. https://web.archive.org/web/20211004185434/https://dohaforum.org/partners. 4 October 2021.
  15. Web site: Watch Doha Debates 2020. 13 March 2020.
  16. Web site: eNCA and Doha Debates team up for Cape Town debate on water.
  17. Web site: It's Time for a New Kind of Debate.
  18. Web site: Past Debates.
  19. Web site: Special Debates.
  20. Web site: Experts strive for consensus on globalization during Doha Debates. 25 July 2019. Marhaba.
  21. Web site: Doha Debates votes for refugees. 27 February 2019. Qatar Tribune.
  22. Web site: Doha Debates explores implications for advanced AI. 7 April 2019. Northwestern University Qatar.
  23. Web site: Doha Debates: Globalization, our future or our failure?. 7 September 2019. enca.com.
  24. Web site: Doha Debates: Water scarcity, getting water into everyone's hands. 10 September 2019. enca.com.
  25. Web site: Doha Debates spotlight on future of capitalism. 27 October 2019. Gulf Times.
  26. Web site: Doha Debates: Can we thrive without trust in governments. 12 November 2019. Paris Peace Forum.
  27. Web site: Doha Debates tackles genre equality. 19 March 2020. Albawaba.
  28. Web site: Doha Debates places future of genetics in spotlight. 27 March 2020. The Peninsula.
  29. Web site: Millions watch Doha Debates forum on socialism's pros and cons. 22 July 2020. Albawaba.
  30. Web site: Global institutions need radical reforms – experts. 22 September 2020. Gulf Times.
  31. Web site: Doha . 2021-11-08 . Experts offer perspectives on resolving climate change at Doha Debates . 2024-05-22 . Gulf Times . en.
  32. Web site: Vivarelli . Nick . 2023-01-18 . Mo Amer to Host Doha Debates Series (EXCLUSIVE) . 2024-05-22 . Variety . en-US.
  33. News: 31 March 2022 . Malala supports Afghan girls' schooling during Doha Debates town hall . Gulf Times.
  34. Web site: Should Geneticists Use New Technologies to Engineer a World With Fewer Disabilities? Al Bawaba . 2024-05-22 . www.albawaba.com . en.
  35. Web site: Love, justice and resistance unite Palestinians across the world, QF's Doha Debates told. 15 December 2022. Qatar Foundation.
  36. Web site: Galil . Tarek A. el . 2023-11-26 . Orientalism’s Legacy: How Art Shaped and Still Influences Western Views of the East . 2024-05-22 . Al-Fanar Media . en-US.
  37. Web site: Newspaper . The Peninsula . 2023-12-15 . QF’s Doha Debates hosts spirited debate on who should lead the world . 2024-05-22 . thepeninsulaqatar.com . en.
  38. Web site: Doha Debates launches weekly series on Covid-19. 15 April 2020. Gulf Times.
  39. Web site: Countries must not shut out refugees after COVID-19, UN rights chief tells QF's Doha Debates. 24 April 2020. Gulf Times.
  40. Web site: QF's Doha Debates spotlights COVID-19 challenges for people with disabilities. 29 April 2019. Albawaba.
  41. Web site: Covid-19 won't change path of climate change. 10 May 2020. Middle East North Africa Financial Network.
  42. Web site: World needs COVID-19 clarity to prevent mental health problems: QF's Doha Debates. 18 March 2020. The Peninsula.
  43. Web site: We can rebuild our connections better after pandemic, QF's Doha Debates hears. 20 May 2020. Qatar Foundation.
  44. Web site: Supporting the youngest refugees during the Covid-19 crisis and beyond. 20 June 2020. Qatar Medium.
  45. Web site: Covid-19 could set the fight for equality back, Doha Debates. 7 June 2020. Gulf Times.
  46. Web site: QF's Doha Debates Amplifies Voices in Youth-Driven UN Global Dialogue Event. 10 September 2020. Albabwa.
  47. Web site: Challenge yourself to save the world. Doha Debates.
  48. Web site: QF's Doha Debates unveils new podcast series at Sundance Film Festival. 15 February 2020. The Peninsula.
  49. Web site: Course Correction: Challenge yourself to change the world. Doha Debates.
  50. Web site: The Negotiators.
  51. Web site: You are being redirected... . 2024-05-22 . wan-ifra.org.
  52. Web site: Doha Debates explores how athletes can use the power of sports to fight for change. 11 November 2021. MENAFN.
  53. Web site: Doha Debates and Sowt partner to launch "Lana" podcast. 15 April 2023. Arab News.
  54. Web site: Newspaper . The Peninsula . 2024-01-10 . New sci-fi podcast ‘Necessary Tomorrows’ offers hopeful visions of the future . 2024-05-22 . thepeninsulaqatar.com . en.
  55. Web site: Necessary Tomorrows: The Last Impala 2023 Tribeca Festival . 2024-05-22 . Tribeca.
  56. Web site: Instagram series: #SolvingIt. Doha Debates.
  57. Web site: Doha Debates honours young climate activists at global youth conference. 4 October 2021. The Gulf Times.
  58. Web site: Undivided documentary features unlikely friendship. 18 February 2020. The Daily Texan.
  59. Web site: Risks and challenges for asylum seekers in Mexico. 25 June 2019. Washington Office on Latin America.
  60. Web site: 'The Invisibles': Unseen footage of Italy's migrant labourers at peak of COVID-19. 3 July 2020. The Africa Report.
  61. Web site: Deep Dive introduction. Doha Debates.
  62. Web site: The Doha Debates Portal. Shared Studios. 11 August 2020. 1 May 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210501070325/https://www.sharedstudios.com/dohadebates. dead.
  63. Web site: Up for debate: talks from TED and Doha Debates. 18 January 2019. TED.
  64. Web site: Al Biddha Park bridges geographic distances during World Cup. 20 November 2022. Doha News.
  65. Web site: Students join inaugural of Doha Debates' Ambassador Program. 1 September 2021. The Peninsula.
  66. Web site: Winner–Spotlight Film Awards 2019. Spotlight Film Awards.
  67. Web site: 2019 Spotlight Documentary Film Awards. Spotlight Documentary Awards.
  68. Web site: From the 4th annual Shorty Social Good Awards-Water Scarcity Debate in Cape Town. Shorty Awards.
  69. Web site: Fortify Rights/Doha Debates Rohingya Instagram Fellows. Shorty Awards.
  70. Web site: 2020 North American Digital Media Awards. North American Digital Media Awards-winners and finalists.
  71. Web site: Digiday Media Awards. 19 May 2020. Digiday.
  72. Web site: From the 12th annual Shorty Awards–#SolvingIt. Shorty Awards.
  73. News: 6 December 2019 . Liberal media sells out to Qatar . Washington Examiner .

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