QF’s QatarDebate To Discuss the Metaverse on the Sidelines of the World Economic Forum

The metaverse and its effects on the global business community – now, and in the future – will be the focus of an Oxford-style debate taking place on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, in Davos, Switzerland, organized by the New York Times in collaboration with Qatar Foundation’s QatarDebate.

The debate will see two teams, consisting of global influencers and leaders, debate for and against the motion “The Metaverse is an ‘Opium of the People’ in the Making” in front of a panel of judges and a live audience. Thomas Friedman, op-ed columnist at the New York Times and three-time Pulitzer Prize winner, will moderate the debate.

Abdulrahman I. Al-Subaie, Manager of Outreach Program at QatarDebate, added: “This event takes place in parallel to the World Economic Forum – one of the most renowned and respected international events attended by leaders to discuss global pressing matters.

“As a nation, Qatar has opened many channels of dialogue, bringing countries together for, for example, peace talks. And QatarDebate is a reflection of this goal.

“Through our organization – and through the power of debate – we aim to help build progressive, forward-thinking societies and individuals.”

The World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting is being held from May 22-26, 2022, making this the first time the event is taking place since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The debate by the New York Times in collaboration with QatarDebate, which is in its second edition, brings together global leaders to debate a topic that is taking mainstream media and the tech sector by storm: the metaverse,” said Dr. Mahmoud Y. Barraj, Outreach Program Specialist at QatarDebate.

“Being at the forefront of demystifying emerging topics through debates, QatarDebate will discuss an immersive virtual world that will define how we interact with each other and with brands according to many scholars and practitioners, while others argue that the metaverse is just hype that will fade in a couple of years.”

Explaining the importance of debating, and hosting events such as the Davos debate, Dr. Barraj said: “Experience and research present a significant correlation between acquiring debating skills and enhanced individual academic and social performance.

“This leads us to conclude that the art of debate has the potential to transform a person’s life on multiple levels – from critical thinking and public speaking to research and inclusion.” 

The event marks the second time QatarDebate has collaborated with the New York Times to host a debate in Davos. It will be available to watch on the QatarDebate and NYTLive YouTube channels following the conclusion of the event.