QatarDebate Strives to be Bridge of Communication: Executive Director

Doha, January 12 (QNA) - QatarDebate Executive Director Dr. Hayat Abdullah Maraafi said that the center, through the hosting of the Fourth World Conference on Oratory, Debate and Dialogue, strives to be a bridge of communication between the different civilizations, cultures and religions. Addressing the opening session of the event, Maraafi said the conference emphasizes the significance of empowering young people to master the skills and methods of critical thinking, debate and dialogue in order to create a better world with less crises and conflicts. Maraafi hailed Qatar Foundation Chairperson HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser's patronage of the conference and attendance of the opening session and addressing the attendees. She highlighted the efforts of HH Sheikha Moza in support of QatarDebate since its inception in 2007. The conference features three themes, namely: argumentation and rhetoric, debate, and critical thinking and pedagogy. The first theme is about the use of logic and reason to criticize and analyze ideas through communication. Those interested in research on argumentation theory, criticisms of communication acts and scholarship on argumentation practice are encouraged to submit to this division. The debate theme tackles the use of formal argumentation forums to educate and empower citizens. It mainly targets those interested in work on the practice and theory of debate competition, public debates, and research on the impact of debate for participants, and theorizing about debate paradigms. The critical thinking and pedagogy theme focuses on the methodology of teaching in the active classroom. Those with interest in using debate, discussion and argumentation in classrooms, discussion of experiences and teaching lessons relating to communication and critical thinking are encouraged to submit to this division. (QNA)