QatarDebate organized the third U.S Universities Arabic Debating Championship in collaboration with Abbasi Program for Islamic Studies at Stanford University

Doha – Qatar Debate Center

As an embodiment of a mission adopted by Qatar Foundation through QatarDebate to spread the art of Debate in Arabic and to aid today’s youth with idea that their first language could be a tool in reaching higher levels of enlightenment and knowledge.  

QatarDebate, a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, in collaboration with the Abbasi Program for Islamic Studies at Stanford University, concluded the third edition of theU.S Universities Arabic Debating Championship, with the participation of 40 teams.

The championship, in which 16 new universities are participating for the first time, aims to  build partnerships with prestigious universities  known for their scientific and cultural advancement and openness worldwide, and to create a supportive environment for coexistence, especially with 250 debaters from different cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds who are united  by the language of dialogue and debate, and common topics of interest to the entire global community, and this in turn  is one of the factors for integrating and understanding different cultural values.

At the closing ceremony of the championship, the Outreach Programs Manager at Qatar Debates, Mr. Abdulrahman Al-Subaie, praised this third extraordinary meeting with partners in the United States of America before Qatar hosts the 2022 World Cup.

Al-Subaie said: ” We came to you from the State of Qatar, where the 2022 World Cup matches will commence, carrying a torch that we lit three years ago, and now we are lighting it again, traveling between the most prestigious universities. In a world with uncertainty prevails, and the voice of fanaticism and weaponry is loud, the voice of reason and logic must be louder to put an end to this systematic destruction of human beings and stone.”

He added: “After three years of fruitful cooperation between Qatar Foundation, represented by Qatar Debate, and a number of prestigious American universities, we are standing on a balance of achievements and an accumulation of experience, we reached a level of balance reflected in every tournament and event we conduct, and in every agreement we sign and every request for cooperation we receive.”

He expressed his happiness to see young people discussing common global issues in Arabic on American soil.

Addressing the debaters: “You are the knights of the future and all those who preceded you  in this field, we have today in the United States, hundreds  of young debaters, dozens of trainers and judges, and thousands of believers in this effort and its importance, thanks to all of them we are sure to see championships and events in the near future organized from these universities without our full sponsorship, and this is our great success hopefully.”

Mr. Abdulrahman  concluded his speech by thanking  Qatar Foundation, the parent institution, Stanford University, its management, faculty and students  for hosting the championship, and the Abbasi Program for their warm welcome and generous sponsorship of this ceremony.

All those who contributed to the success of this tournament from the judges, trainers, ambassadors, employees of Qatar Debate Center, members of the elite and its alumni and volunteers for their efforts and continuous support.

Dr. Farah El-Sharif – Associate Director of Abbasi Program in Islamic said: “Hosting more than 200 talented Arabic debaters from all over the US at Stanford was definitely a highlight for the Abbasi Program this academic year. The championships raised the profile of Arabic at Stanford, showcased the art of debate and demonstrated the intellectual and linguistic rigor of the participants.”

Duke University team wins the Third U.S Universities Arabic Debating Championship

Duke University’s team won the championship title by winning first place in the final of the third U.S Universities Arabic Debating Championship, consisting of “Zainab Mokhtar, Dana Younis, Majid Al-Munaifi, Saad Al-Huraishi”

The two teams from Duke and Harvard universities competed for the title of the championship in the following debate: “This Council believes that the fight against climate change should include international action against sovereign states that allow environmental violations to act directly or negligently.”

The Harvard  University team – the opposition – came in second place and consisted of “Reem Ali, Iman al-Shouk,  Heballah Muhammad, Caleb King”.

And for the best speakers of the American championship, the student Majid Al-Menifi from Duke University came the best speaker as a  first Arabic language and the debater Suad Al-Gohary from the University of Illinois  the best speaker as a second Arabic language  

From Harvard University came the second best speaker Caleb King and debater Reem Ali.  

Pre-tournament training workshops

The Center’s Ambassador Mohammed Al-Lakhn Al-Marri presented an introductory workshop to all participants as a reminder of the rules of the tournament, including the rules of conduct and competition, the basics of debate and answering their questions and concerns.

The second workshop was presented by QD’s trainer, Mr. Saad Al-Assad, to the judges related to all aspects that benefit them as international judges and review the concepts and standards through a specific test categorize judges based on their different levels before the start of the tournament and discuss the cases that may arise.

Participants of the first cohort of QatarDebate Fellowship Program are expert researchers at Stanford University

On sidelines of the 3rd USADC, QatarDebate launched the first meeting of the QatarDebate Fellowship Program, with the presence of Expert Researchers meeting at the campus of Stanford University to launch twelve qualitative research projects that will add a lot to the field of debates in its broadest sense.