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Wednesday, February 18, 2026 | Daily Newspaper published by GPPC Doha, Qatar.

Tag Results for "University of Oxford" (2 articles)

Gulf Times
Qatar

BilAraby highlights global role of Arabic at debating championship in Britain

Qatar Foundation’s (QF) BilAraby participated in panel discussions held on the sidelines of the 2nd UK Universities Arabic Debating Championship, hosted by the University of Oxford from February 7-9 organised by QatarDebate Center in collaboration with the Middle East Centre – St Antony’s College, University of Oxford. BilAraby’s participation aimed to reinforce the role of the Arabic language in discussions on knowledge production and the digital world. This engagement is part of the Initiative’s regional and international outreach, which promotes constructive dialogue, provides dynamic platforms for youth development, and fosters collaborations that inspire positive change. The opening day of the championship featured a panel discussion titled ‘The Arabic Language and Epistemic Justice in the Digital World,’ presented by Thaer Fawaz Farhat, debate specialist at QatarDebate Center. The panel included Dr Laith Alawneh, a speaker at the 2025 BilAraby Gathering, and Maya al-Jaber, a PhD researcher in psychology at the University of Oxford. The session examined the role of the Arabic language in the age of algorithms, including its representation in AI systems and whether it faces bias compared to other languages. It also addressed broader issues such as digital colonialism and the limits of epistemic justice within a landscape shaped by the interests of major corporations, while exploring what is required to build a dynamic Arabic presence that moves beyond consumption to contribute to knowledge production actively. On the second day of the championship, a roundtable was hosted to discuss the Arab world’s role in addressing shared global challenges, including migration, climate change, and food security. The session featured Dr Alawneh and al-Jaber, alongside representatives from BilAraby and QatarDebate Center, as well as several participating debaters. The roundtable further examined migration, sparking a rich discussion that framed the topic as a space where historical memory intersects with future opportunities, and explored how accumulated Arab expertise can be effectively leveraged. Participants agreed on the need to shift prevailing migration narratives that portray Arab migrants as a burden. The panel highlighted this as a significant opportunity for both Western and Arab countries alike, rather than a liability as often suggested. At the championship’s closing ceremony, BilAraby was recognised for its active role throughout the event and for its mission to elevate the Arabic language to the forefront of knowledge-based discussions on international dialogue platforms. 

Dr. Majid bin Mohammed Al Ansari, Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Qatar

Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry participates in the Oxford University panel on diplomacy and mediation

Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Majid bin Mohammed Al Ansari, participated in a panel discussion hosted by the University of Oxford under the title "Diplomacy and Mediation in a Contested World."The panel addressed contemporary challenges in conflict resolution and examined the role of states and mediators in promoting international peace and security.Speaking during the session, Dr. Al Ansari underscored the importance of adhering to principles and consistency in addressing international issues, noting that the last comprehensive peace agreement was signed nearly a decade ago in Colombia — reflecting a broader decline in the effectiveness of peaceful solutions in recent years.He stressed that the absence of accountability, particularly regarding Israeli violations, continues to fuel tensions and threatens both regional and international stability.Dr. Al Ansari highlighted dialogue and mediation as essential tools for resolving conflicts, citing Qatar's distinguished record in mediating complex disputes. He referred to Qatar's role in facilitating the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the peace accord between the United States and the Taliban, and its mediation between the Government of Colombia and the self-proclaimed Gaitanista Army.He further noted Qatar's humanitarian efforts in reuniting Ukrainian and Russian children with their families, as part of the State's ongoing initiatives to alleviate the human impact of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.The Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that Qatar's mediation efforts stem from a deep sense of responsibility and a firm belief in building sustainable partnerships for peace. He emphasized that these efforts are producing tangible results on the ground.