Qatar Minister of State for International Cooperation, Lolwah Al Khater, delivered a powerful speech on the importance of intellect at the first-ever International Conference on Debate and Dialogue in Doha. The conference, organized by QatarDebate, attracted more than 500 universities and schools from around the world.
During her address, Al Khater took the audience on a journey through the history of debates, emphasizing their role in enriching Arab intellectual life and spreading awareness in communities. She emphasized that debate is not just about linguistic skills and statements but also encompasses knowledge, art, methodology, and mental and ethical control.
Al Khater concluded her speech by expressing her wish that Arab conflicts could be resolved through intellectual battles of thoughts and ideas rather than physical warfare.
In addition to the conference, QatarDebate signed several memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with renowned global entities. These agreements mark significant milestones in establishing academic programs and fostering fruitful collaborations.
QatarDebate executive director, Dr. Hayat Abdullah Maarafi, highlighted the institution growing importance on a global scale. The conference featured panel discussions on the role and impact of debate institutions worldwide, engaging academics, researchers, and debate experts from over 80 countries.
Among the MOUs signed, QatarDebate partnered with the Al Jazeera Media Institute, Jordan Crown Prince Foundation, Canada University of Windsor, the University of Louisville, and the University of Utah. These collaborations aim to strengthen the exchange of knowledge and empower the youth through academic initiatives.
The International Conference on Debate and Dialogue serves as a platform for intellectual engagement and fostering global cooperation in the field of debate. It showcases Qatar commitment to promoting intellectual discourse and nurturing the next generation of critical thinkers.