7th International Universities Debating Championship Commences in Doha

Doha: QatarDebate Center has kicked off the 7th International Universities Debating Championship in Doha, taking place at the Qatar National Convention Center over five consecutive days, and bringing together Arabic-speaking students and non-native speakers globally to debate diverse issues and compete for the title of champions for the 2024 edition. The qualifying stage is divided into six rounds spread over the first and second days, in which all teams are obliged to take part. To decide the debating teams, Qatar Debate Center has adopted the power-matching format, an electronic random pairing mechanism, that draws lots to pair teams in the first round, before matching them based on scores in the subsequent rounds. This system ensures that teams with the same level of qualification are grouped after the first round. During his opening speech, Director of Programs at the QatarDebate Center Abdul Rahman Al Subaie stated, "Today, we gather at the largest international Arabic debating event. QatarDebate Cent er has become a leader in debate in the Arabic language and a leading institution promoting dialogue at a global level. This tournament aims to build awareness, critical thinking, and acceptance of differences in the participating debaters." Commenting on the adoption of the power-matching system, debate coach at the Arabic Language Programs Department at QatarDebate Center Nadia Darwish said, "The importance of this system is that the draw determines whether each participating team will argue in favor or opposition of the topic at hand. In both cases, the participant must present rational arguments to support their position. This helps participating students gain the flexibility to understand and embrace the opposing sides rationale and accept and respect different opinions without discrimination." On the first day of the qualifying rounds, the participants debated two topics: Temporary self-employment harms the economy more than it helps, and Environmental movements should focus on changing regulations and policies rather than changing individual consumer choices. An exhibition is also being held during the championship, bringing together QatarDebate Centers partners, and engaging the participants in various interactive activities. Exhibitors include Al Jazeera Media Network, Education Above All Foundation, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, and Qatar Reads an initiative by Qatar National Library. Moreover, QatarDebate Center is also hosting several interactive activities including a space for its Oasis of Dialogue initiative, which invites participants to immerse themselves in a welcoming environment for exchanging ideas. Visitors were also made aware of the Doha Forum - Youth Edition, and its upcoming international conference that will take place in partnership with the Doha International Family Institute. Bringing together exceptional debaters, the 7th International Universities Debating Championship represents one of the largest international Arabic debate competitions worldwide, with the participation of ove r 600 speakers and judges from more than 50 countries, including 100 Arabic and non-Arabic-speaking teams, among them are over 80 Qatar-based judges and 45 international adjudicators, along with 150 volunteers. Representing the State of Qatar at the championship, are seven teams from Qatar-based universities including Qatar University, the University of Doha for Science and Technology, Texas A andM University at Qatar, Georgetown University in Qatar, Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, Lusail University, and the Police Academy. The tournament is organized in partnership with the Doha Forum, Al Jazeera Media Institute, Translation and Interpreting Institute (TII) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, and the Doha International Family Institute. Source: Qatar News Agency