A new debate camp in Historic Jeddah is bringing together students from a wide range of academic disciplines to develop critical thinking, argumentation and public speaking skills while promoting a culture of constructive dialogue.
The inaugural Debates Camp, a joint initiative by Wasl Cultural Center and the Saudi Center for Philosophy and Ethics (SCOPE), is being hosted at Beit Al-Sharbatly, with sessions held every Monday and Wednesday through Aug. 12.
Combining Theory With Practical Debate
The program combines theoretical instruction with practical debate rounds modeled on international debating competitions, providing participants with opportunities to develop both intellectual and communication skills.
The camp focuses on helping participants analyze ideas, formulate positions, construct arguments and engage with opposing viewpoints in a structured and constructive manner.
24 Participants From Diverse Disciplines
A total of 24 participants were selected for the camp and divided into six teams representing a diverse range of academic fields.
These include medicine, architecture, computer science, information technology, languages, tourism, history and sustainable agriculture.
Seven speakers and mentors are leading the program, while a judging panel is overseeing the preliminary and final debate rounds.
Specialized Sessions Led by Experts
The camp features sessions led by researchers, academics and specialists covering topics such as the foundations of argumentation, critical thinking, the role of emotions in argumentation, intellectual virtues, competitive debating techniques and debate preparation.
The diverse program is designed to provide participants with practical tools to examine issues from multiple perspectives and communicate their ideas more clearly and persuasively.
Developing Thinkers, Not Just Speakers
Jawaher Al-Zahwani, executive director of Wasl Cultural Center, said the initiative is based on the belief that developing individuals requires more than knowledge alone.
Participants also need the tools to think critically, ask questions, analyze ideas, develop positions and construct arguments.
She emphasized that the program is not simply about preparing speakers, but about cultivating thinkers capable of engaging in meaningful dialogue and applying these skills in their studies, careers and everyday conversations.
Supporting Youth Empowerment Under Vision 2030
Dr. Ghada Al-Hazmi, executive director of SCOPE, said the initiative supports Saudi Vision 2030 goals related to youth empowerment.
The first edition aims to establish the foundations of a sustainable intellectual and cultural initiative that prepares young people to engage in constructive dialogue, manage differences through scientific methodology and compete confidently on the international stage.
Hosting the camp at Beit Al-Sharbatly in Historic Jeddah also highlights the city’s role as a vibrant cultural and intellectual hub.
Skills for Academic and Professional Life
Participants said the camp is helping them develop skills with applications across both academic and professional settings, from constructing stronger legal arguments and analyzing opposing viewpoints to presenting scientific and environmental issues in a persuasive and objective manner.
The initiative reflects a broader approach to youth development that combines knowledge with practical experience, equipping participants with critical thinking, communication and dialogue skills that can support them throughout their academic, professional and everyday lives.
