Students from Swansea University have been selected to participate in one of the most competitive national debate programmes in the world.
Four international undergraduate students will showcase their communication skills at the International University Arabic Debating Championship in Doha, which will be held from April 21 to 24.
This is the first time that a UK university has been invited to attend the annual event, organised by Qatar MICE Development Institute, a Qatar Foundation joint venture. Students from over 40 universities worldwide will compete in the championship.
Five debate rounds over two days will produce the top four teams, which will then compete in the semi-finals. The winners of those two debates will go head to head in the grand final in the closing ceremony.
The three successful teams will receive trophies and the 10 best speakers will be honoured with special medals for their performance in the competition.
Preparing for the competition has entailed months of research, analysis and discussion to develop the students’ argumentation and persuasion skills.
Coached by two trainers, the university’s Muslim Students Adviser and Students Union International Officer, regular practice sessions and a trial debate were held in the mosque on campus.
Layla Sabeel, a second-year engineering undergraduate student, said: “I was delighted to be chosen to represent Swansea University in such a high-profile international competition. It will hopefully provide us with a platform to express our opinions and interact with other international students. I look forward to putting the skills we have learnt to the test and bring the trophy to Swansea.”
Prof Iwan Davies, Swansea University Pro Vice-Chancellor responsible for internationalisation, concluded: “We are proud that our students will play a part in such a prestigious event. The competition will no doubt provide them with valuable skills and prepare them for life post-university. We wish our students best of luck. Although we hope their hard work will result in a victory for Swansea, we are confident that they will all enjoy the experience whatever the final result.”