Government

Qatar Foundation’s Doha Debates has launched a new season of its flagship program in collaboration with Al Jazeera Digital, marking a renewed commitment to open and thought-provoking global dialogue. The eight-episode season, which began airing on October 21, will continue weekly on Tuesdays through December 9, featuring distinguished guests, bold global themes, and a focus on truth-seeking conversations that explore humanity’s most pressing issues.

This season delves into three overarching themes — freedom, grand narratives, and family — with each episode spotlighting leading thinkers and young changemakers. The debates will tackle a range of topics, including meritocracy, social media, love, architecture, ancient traditions, and the future of work.

The season opened with a compelling debate on neo-feudalism, featuring Yanis Varoufakis, economist and former finance minister of Greece; Evgeny Morozov, technology critic and founder of The Syllabus; Daniel Susskind, author of A World Without Work; and Nanjira Sambuli, digital rights advocate and researcher. The discussion examined whether modern capitalism liberates or confines society and how corporate power, public accountability, and human dignity intersect in today’s world.

“This season deepens Doha Debates’ mission of fostering spaces for honest disagreement and meaningful understanding,” said Amjad Atallah, Managing Director of Doha Debates. “At a time when noise often replaces nuance, we’re inviting audiences to think critically and engage with diverse perspectives in a spirit of openness and empathy.”

Carlos Van Meek, Director of Digital Innovation & Programming at Al Jazeera, added:

“Doha Debates embodies the kind of bold, open dialogue that Al Jazeera Digital champions — honest conversations that challenge assumptions and connect us through understanding. We are honored to be associated with such an inspiring project and its people.”

Filmed in Doha, the program retains its Majlis-style format, reflecting Qatar’s cultural tradition of open and respectful dialogue. The setup emphasizes curiosity, listening, and open-mindedness, fostering authentic exchanges that celebrate intellectual diversity and shared humanity.

The new season also introduces a refreshed visual identity, inspired by Doha Debates’ signature geometric design — symbolizing the dynamism and interconnectedness of global perspectives.

Beyond the televised debates, Doha Debates will continue to expand its engagement through town halls and podcast episodes, providing broader platforms for audiences worldwide to join the conversation and engage with critical ideas shaping the future.

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