The Doha Debates Ambassador Program 2026 is a 12-week virtual programme for young leaders who want to improve public discourse across cultures. Cohort 9 combines expert-led training, mentored collaboration, personal storytelling, systems thinking, and debate practice. Applications close on August 24, 2026.
Programme Snapshot
Programme: Doha Debates Ambassador Program, Cohort 9
Category: Virtual youth leadership programme
Host: Doha Debates
Format: Online
Duration: 12 weeks
Programme Dates: September 22–December 1, 2026
Final Event: World Majlis on December 8, 2026
Application Deadline: August 24, 2026
Eligible Applicants: Fluent English speakers aged 18–26 who meet the programme’s availability and internet-access requirements
About the Doha Debates Ambassador Program 2026
The Doha Debates Ambassador Program brings together young leaders who want to change how people discuss complex public issues.
The programme is inspired by the Majlis, a traditional social gathering place where participants openly discuss important matters. Through this model, ambassadors explore different perspectives, strengthen intercultural understanding, and practise collective problem-solving.
Programme Purpose and Learning Areas
Over the 12-week programme, participants develop practical skills through expert facilitation, mentoring, collaborative learning, and conversations with other ambassadors.
The programme focuses on:
✓ Intercultural communication
✓ Systems thinking
✓ Debate and dialogue skills
✓ Personal storytelling
✓ Cross-cultural understanding
✓ Facilitating discussions about complex global issues
✓ Understanding different worldviews and motivations
✓ Connecting personal experiences with wider global challenges
✓ Leading productive conversations in communities, schools, and workplaces
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How the Virtual Programme Works
Ambassadors should expect to spend approximately four to five hours each week on programme activities.
The learning format includes:
✓ A 90-minute live Zoom meeting each week
✓ Asynchronous participation through the Doha Debates Learning Community
✓ Interaction with expert facilitators and mentors
✓ Collaboration with other ambassadors
✓ Practical dialogue and communication exercises
The required Zoom meetings take place every Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. AST from September 22 to December 1, 2026.
World Majlis Virtual Event
The programme concludes with a two-hour virtual event called the World Majlis.
During this event, small groups of ambassadors apply their programme learning by conducting virtual dialogues. The World Majlis for Cohort 9 is scheduled for December 8, 2026.
What Participants Receive
Participants who successfully complete the programme receive:
✓ An official certificate from Doha Debates
✓ Training from expert facilitators
✓ Mentored collaboration
✓ Access to an international peer group and learning circle
✓ Opportunities to engage with Doha Debates staff and events
✓ Continued access to alumni activities, conversations, workshops, and debates
Programme alumni may also be selected to serve as mentors for future cohorts.
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Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy all Cohort 9 eligibility requirements.
Candidates must:
• Complete the full three-step application process by August 24, 2026.
• Be between 18 and 26 years old when the programme begins on September 22, 2026.
• Have access to reliable internet for videoconferencing.
• Be fluent in English.
• Be available for every Tuesday Zoom meeting at 6:00 p.m. AST from September 22 to December 1, 2026.
Three-Step Application Process
Applicants must complete all three stages to be considered for Cohort 9.
Step One: Complete the Introduction to the Majlis Course
Applicants must join the Doha Debates Learning Community and complete the Introduction to the Majlis Course.
Successful completion of the course allows applicants to earn the Majlis Master badge. Those who completed the course in an earlier year must retake it for Cohort 9.
Step Two: Submit the Application Form
After completing the course, applicants receive an email containing their official badge and the application-form link.
The application form requests basic information and a personal video. In the video, applicants must introduce themselves and reflect on the Introduction to the Majlis Course.
Candidates cannot officially apply before completing the course and earning the badge. The application form must be submitted by August 24, 2026, at 12:00 a.m. AST.
Step Three: Attend the Finalist Interview
Finalists will be invited to a virtual group interview between September 8 and September 11, 2026.
All finalists will receive their acceptance status by September 15, 2026.
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Selection Timeline
The official Cohort 9 timeline is:
• Application period: July 1–August 24, 2026
• Application deadline: August 24, 2026, at 12:00 a.m. AST
• Candidate interviews: September 8–11, 2026
• Acceptance notifications: September 15, 2026
• Ambassador programme: September 22–December 1, 2026
• World Majlis virtual event: December 8, 2026
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Application Deadline
The final deadline to complete the application process is:
August 24, 2026, at 12:00 a.m. AST
Applicants must first complete the Introduction to the Majlis Course and earn the Majlis Master badge before receiving access to the application form.
Apply Here
Begin the official application process by joining the Doha Debates Learning Community and completing the required introductory course.
