The 2nd Midwest Arabic Universities Debating Championship Marks a Major Milestone in U.S. Expansion Efforts

As part of our ongoing mission to promote the culture of Arabic debate and empower youth globally, the Arabic debate community in the United States, in collaboration with QatarDebate Center, founded by Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, successfully organized the 2nd Midwest Arabic Universities Debating Championship.

Hosted by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign from April 24 to 26, 2026, the championship featured elite debaters representing 9 universities from across the United States. Over three days, participants engaged in intensive debating rounds and cultural activities designed to enrich their experience, foster networking, and strengthen their sense of community.

Youth Perspectives on Global Challenges

The debates addressed a range of pressing global issues, including:

• The role of social media in news dissemination.
• The impact of tourism on developing nations.
• Ethical responsibilities in conflict zones.
• Youth-led paths for social change.

Participants demonstrated advanced critical thinking, deep analytical skills, and a remarkable ability to engage constructively with complex topics in the Arabic language.

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Sustainable Growth and Community Empowerment

This event embodies the growing influence and institutional sustainability of QatarDebate in the U.S. Since 2019, over 1,000 participants from more than 70 academic institutions have joined Arabic debate programs, building a thriving ecosystem for intellectual exchange.

This growth is driven by the “Capacity Building Program,” which aims to establish a sustainable foundation for Arabic debate in the U.S. by equipping participants with skills in adjudication, technical training, tournament organization, and club development. The Midwest Championship serves as a prime example of this success; it was managed and executed entirely by U.S.-based teams, including organizers, debaters, judges, and media contributors, reflecting the maturity and self-reliance of the local Arabic debate community.

Celebrating Excellence

The competition concluded with the University of Missouri securing first place, followed by Macalester College in second place.

Individual honors included:

• Best Speaker (Arabic Speakers): Ahmed Bamhrez, Missouri State University.
• Best Speaker (Arabic as a Second Language): Maximilian Siu Lun Beh, Columbia University.

The ceremony was attended by Guest of Honor Professor Tania Ion, Head of the Department of Linguistics at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

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Insights from the Organizers

“What we are building transcends debate; it has become a community rooted in thought, effort, and impactful dialogue.” — Ms. Shirin Aydogan, Championship Coordinator.

“Driven by our deep belief in the Arabic language as a bridge for identity and culture, we ensure these championships are more than an intellectual competition. They are a living experience that restores the presence of the language in the hearts and minds of youth. We are not organizing fleeting events; we are establishing dialogue spaces that foster pride in Arabic and showcase its ability to address contemporary issues with depth. We seek to inspire future generations to discover the richness of this language and use it confidently as a tool for thought and influence.” — Dr. Iman Saadeh, Championship Coordinator.