Doha Debates Ambassador Program 2026 | Fully Virtual Global Leadership Program for Young Changemakers

Applications are now open for the Doha Debates Ambassador Program – Cohort 9, a prestigious 12-week virtual leadership programme that brings together young leaders from around the world to strengthen dialogue, intercultural communication, and collaborative problem-solving skills. Organized by Doha Debates, a production of the Qatar Foundation, the programme equips participants with the tools to lead meaningful conversations and create positive change in their communities and beyond.

Inspired by the traditional Majlis, a welcoming space for open discussion, the programme encourages participants to move beyond debate as competition and instead embrace dialogue, empathy, systems thinking, and cross-cultural understanding. Through expert-led training, mentorship, and collaboration, ambassadors develop practical leadership skills while building lifelong international connections.

Programme Overview

• Host Organization: Doha Debates (Qatar Foundation)
• Programme: Doha Debates Ambassador Program – Cohort 9
• Programme Type: Virtual Leadership Programme
• Format: Fully Online
• Duration: 12 Weeks
• Programme Dates: 22 September – 1 December 2026
• World Majlis Event: 8 December 2026
• Application Deadline: 24 August 2026
• Eligible Countries: Worldwide

Programme Benefits

Selected ambassadors will receive:

• Free participation in the 12-week global leadership programme.
• Expert-led workshops on dialogue, leadership, and systems thinking.
• Mentorship from experienced facilitators and global experts.
• Training in intercultural communication and storytelling.
• Opportunities to collaborate with young leaders from around the world.
• Access to the Doha Debates global learning community.
• Official Certificate of Completion upon successful participation.
• Continued engagement through alumni events, workshops, and possible future mentoring opportunities.

What You Will Learn

Participants will develop skills in:

• Intercultural communication
• Dialogue facilitation
• Systems thinking
• Storytelling for social impact
• Conflict resolution
• Community leadership
• Collaborative problem-solving
• Understanding diverse perspectives
• Building constructive public discourse

Programme Structure

Participants should expect to dedicate 4–5 hours per week, including:

• Weekly 90-minute live Zoom sessions
• Collaborative learning activities in the Doha Debates Learning Community
• Practical exercises and discussions
• Preparation for the World Majlis, where ambassadors facilitate dialogue in small international groups

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be 18–26 years old at the start of the programme.
• Be fluent in English.
• Have reliable internet access for virtual participation.
• Be available for all weekly Zoom sessions held every Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. AST from 22 September to 1 December 2026.
• Complete the required three-step application process before the deadline.

Application Process

The application consists of three mandatory steps:

Step 1

Complete the Introduction to the Majlis Course in the Doha Debates Learning Community and earn the Majlis Master Badge.

Step 2

After earning the badge, complete the online application, which includes:

• Personal information
• A short introductory video
• Reflection on the Majlis course

Step 3

Shortlisted candidates will participate in a virtual group interview between 8–11 September 2026.

Successful applicants will be notified on 15 September 2026.

Important Dates

Why Apply?

The Doha Debates Ambassador Program provides participants with the opportunity to:

• Build leadership and communication skills.
• Learn a unique dialogue model inspired by the Majlis tradition.
• Connect with emerging leaders from more than 80 countries.
• Develop empathy, collaboration, and critical thinking.
• Join an active global alumni network.
• Gain practical experience facilitating discussions on complex global issues.

How to Apply

1. Join the Doha Debates Learning Community.
2. Complete the Introduction to the Majlis Course.
3. Earn the Majlis Master Badge.
4. Submit the online application and personal video.
5. Attend the interview if shortlisted.
6. Wait for the final selection announcement.

The Doha Debates Ambassador Program 2026 is an exceptional opportunity for young leaders who want to strengthen their communication, leadership, and intercultural dialogue skills in a truly global setting. Through expert mentoring, collaborative learning, and meaningful conversations, participants become part of an international community committed to addressing today’s most pressing challenges through respectful and constructive dialogue. Since the programme is completely free and fully virtual, eligible young people from around the world are encouraged to apply before the 24 August 2026 deadline.