Published Date: 17 July 2026

Applications are now open for Cohort 9 of the Doha Debates Ambassador Program, a prestigious 12-week virtual leadership programme designed for young people who are passionate about improving public discourse, strengthening intercultural understanding, and driving positive change in their communities and beyond.

Hosted by Doha Debates, the programme brings together emerging leaders from around the world to participate in expert-led training, collaborative learning, mentorship, and meaningful dialogue on complex global issues. Participants develop practical leadership, communication, storytelling, systems thinking, and debate skills while building lifelong relationships with an international network of peers.

The programme is entirely virtual, making it accessible to talented young leaders worldwide who meet the eligibility requirements.

The application deadline is 24 August 2026.

About the Doha Debates Ambassador Program

The Doha Debates Ambassador Program is a unique international leadership initiative that empowers young people to become more effective communicators, bridge cultural divides, and facilitate productive conversations around today’s most pressing global challenges.

Rather than focusing solely on debate, the programme encourages participants to cultivate empathy, understand diverse perspectives, and learn how to engage in respectful dialogue across cultures and viewpoints.

Over a period of 12 weeks, selected ambassadors participate in structured learning experiences that combine:

• Weekly live virtual sessions
• Interactive workshops
• Expert-led training
• Mentorship
• Collaborative group work
• Personal storytelling
• Cross-cultural dialogue
• Practical leadership development

The programme concludes with a global virtual dialogue event known as the World Majlis, where ambassadors apply everything they have learned throughout the programme.

Why the Doha Debates Ambassador Program Was Created

Today’s global challenges require cooperation across cultures, disciplines, and societies.

Doha Debates believes that young people are essential partners in creating a more peaceful, inclusive, and collaborative world. However, meaningful collaboration requires spaces where individuals can openly exchange ideas while respecting differing opinions.

The Ambassador Program draws inspiration from the traditional Majlis, a gathering place where important issues are discussed openly and respectfully.

Within this modern virtual Majlis, participants:

• Build trust across cultures.
• Strengthen intercultural understanding.
• Develop collaborative leadership skills.
• Learn to facilitate difficult conversations.
• Explore diverse perspectives.
• Transform dialogue into meaningful action.

What Participants Will Learn

Throughout the programme, ambassadors receive training in a wide range of practical leadership and communication skills.

Participants will learn how to:

• Facilitate discussions on complex global issues.
• Participate confidently in challenging conversations.
• Navigate intercultural communication effectively.
• Understand diverse worldviews.
• Clearly articulate their own perspectives.
• Use storytelling to inspire and motivate others.
• Build empathy across cultural differences.
• Develop systems thinking approaches to solving global problems.
• Foster inclusive dialogue within their own communities.
• Engage respectfully with people holding different viewpoints.

Skills You Will Gain

By participating in the Doha Debates Ambassador Program, participants strengthen valuable lifelong skills, including:

• Public speaking
• Debate and dialogue
• Active listening
• Cross-cultural communication
• Leadership
• Critical thinking
• Collaboration
• Community engagement
• Storytelling
• Facilitation
• Systems thinking
• Global citizenship

These skills are valuable for careers in international development, diplomacy, public policy, education, advocacy, entrepreneurship, civil society, and many other fields.

Program Structure

The programme is conducted entirely online over a 12-week period.

Participants should expect to dedicate approximately:

4–5 hours per week

Activities include:

Weekly Live Sessions

• 90-minute Zoom meetings every week.

Online Learning

Participants engage asynchronously through the Doha Debates Learning Community.

Mentorship

Participants interact with experienced mentors and facilitators throughout the programme.

Collaborative Projects

Ambassadors work together with peers from around the world.

Final World Majlis

The programme concludes with a special two-hour World Majlis, during which participants facilitate virtual dialogues using the skills they have developed.

Program Timeline

Applicants should take note of the following important dates.

Benefits of the Program

Participants selected for Cohort 9 will receive numerous professional and personal development opportunities.

Benefits include:

• Participation in a prestigious international youth leadership programme.
• Expert-led workshops and training sessions.
• Mentorship from experienced facilitators.
• Development of leadership and communication skills.
• Practical experience facilitating dialogue.
• Cross-cultural learning experiences.
• Networking with young leaders from around the world.
• Access to the Doha Debates global community.
• Opportunities to participate in future Doha Debates events.
• Eligibility to become a mentor for future cohorts.
• Official Certificate of Completion upon successful participation.

Who Can Apply?

The programme welcomes young leaders from around the world.

Applicants must satisfy all eligibility requirements.

Candidates must:

• Complete the full three-step application process.
• Be 18–26 years old when the programme begins on 22 September 2026.
• Have reliable internet access suitable for video conferencing.
• Be fluent in English.
• Be available every Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. AST throughout the programme from 22 September to 1 December 2026.

How to Apply

Applications consist of three mandatory stages.

Step 1: Complete the Introduction to the Majlis Course

Applicants must first complete the Introduction to the Majlis Course within the Doha Debates Learning Community.

Successful completion earns applicants the required Majlis Master Badge.

Important:

Applicants who completed the course in previous years must complete it again for Cohort 9.

Step 2: Submit the Online Application

After earning the badge, applicants receive:

• Official badge confirmation
• Link to the application form

The application requires:

• Basic personal information
• A personal video introducing yourself
• Reflection on the Introduction to the Majlis course

Applications cannot be submitted until the course has been completed.

Step 3: Virtual Group Interview

Shortlisted finalists will be invited to participate in a virtual group interview between:

8–11 September 2026

Successful applicants will receive acceptance notifications by:

15 September 2026

Certificate

Participants who successfully complete all programme requirements will receive an official Doha Debates Certificate.

APPLY HERE

Alumni Opportunities

Graduates of the Ambassador Program remain connected to the Doha Debates community.

Alumni may:

• Attend future events.
• Participate in workshops.
• Join discussions and debates.
• Build long-term professional networks.
• Be invited to mentor future programme participants.

Application Deadline

The deadline for applications is:

24 August 2026

Applicants should begin the process early because completing the required Introduction to the Majlis Course is mandatory before accessing the application form.

Visit HERE to learn more about the Doha Debates Ambassador Program Cohort 9

Conclusion

The Doha Debates Ambassador Program Cohort 9 provides an outstanding opportunity for young leaders who are passionate about dialogue, leadership, intercultural communication, and global collaboration. Through expert-led training, mentorship, and engagement with peers from around the world, participants gain valuable skills that extend far beyond debate, preparing them to become effective changemakers in their communities and professions.

As a fully virtual programme, the initiative offers global accessibility while fostering meaningful international connections. Young people aged 18–26 who are eager to strengthen their leadership capacity and contribute to more constructive public discourse are encouraged to begin the application process early and submit all required materials before 24 August 2026.

For more international fellowship opportunities, visit OFY HERE