Davos: QatarDebate Center, affiliated with Qatar Foundation for Education, Research, and Community Development (QF), in collaboration with The New York Times and alongside the World Economic Forum, organized the fourth edition of the Davos Debates. The event featured International President of The New York Times Stephen Johnson and Abdulrahman Al Subaie, Director of Program Management at QatarDebate Center. In his speech during the opening ceremony, Al Subaie expressed his pride in the continuous cooperation with The New York Times, praising its role in supporting constructive dialogue. He mentioned the significance of dialogue as a fundamental pillar for exchanging ideas and building bridges of cooperation between cultures and generations.
According to Qatar News Agency, this edition of the debates is characterized by the participation of a group of experts and specialists, providing a unique platform to discuss global issues and propose innovative solutions. The event focused on the global leadership of the United States, questioning its ability to maintain its leadership amidst geopolitical and environmental shifts, its role as a defender of democracy and human rights, and the possibility of emerging leadership alternatives that could contribute to achieving global balance.
The discussion saw participation from decision-makers and international experts, moderated by David Giles, climate management correspondent at The New York Times, and Stephen Dunbar-Johnson, head of the International section of the newspaper. The jury included notable figures such as climate activist Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, editor-in-chief of Devex Raj Kumar, and president of the Council on Foreign Relations Michael Froman.
Opinions were divided on the continuation of American leadership. Supporters like CEO of BSR Aron Cramer and executive director of Human Rights Watch Tirana Hassan argued that the United States still holds the qualifications to maintain its global leadership, essential in tackling global challenges like climate change and counter-terrorism.
On the other hand, opponents including Secretary General of Amnesty International Agn¨s Callamard and president of Dartmouth University Sian Leah Beilock, critiqued the US leadership for losing credibility due to its failures in upholding values such as democracy and human rights. They suggested that other countries more aligned with current global challenges should be given the opportunity to provide leadership alternatives.
QatarDebate Center continues to promote a culture of dialogue through innovative platforms contributing to the development of strategic thinking and creative solutions for future challenges, including initiatives like Doha Forum-Youth Edition, Youth Summit, and Oasis of Dialogue.