As the world grapples with the new challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, Qatar Foundation’s Doha Debates focus its next global program on the merits of socialism during and after the pandemic.

Three experts will debate socialism with live digital voting and audience participation on Monday, July 20, 2020. 

The live stream will feature Fatima Bhutto, an author and commentator, former UK Foreign Secretary and House of Commons Leader Lord William Hague, and Brazilian congresswoman and activist Tabata Amaral.

Image: Tabata Amaral, Brazilian congresswoman, and activist.

Image: Lord William Hague, Former UK Foreign Secretary and House of Commons Leader

Image: Fatima Bhutto, author, and commentator

The debate will include individual arguments, a solutions-focused bridge-building dialogue, and participation from Qatar and around the world.

Amjad Atalla, Doha Debates managing director said, "The global shock of COVID-19 has prompted an urgent reassessment of how governments help and support their citizens"

“Socialist-like measures such as temporary universal basic income (UBI) have been introduced in recent months in several cities and nations around the world, with some weighing whether to continue government-provided incentives as the pandemic subsides. 

"Capitalist systems around the world have employed radical redistribution of aid, raising the question of whether these changes should become permanent. Now is the ideal time for this solutions-focused debate.”

The Doha Debates program will be hosted by Ghida Fakhry, a renowned journalist with vast experience as a TV news anchor, correspondent, and interviewer. Also joining the program will be digital correspondent Nelufar Hedayat and conflict resolution expert, Dr. Govinda Clayton.

As coronavirus is leaving a massive economic downturn in its wake, with its consequences more dire than any seen in generations, the program’s debaters will discuss whether welfare policies such as UBI should become permanent as the world prepares for the post-coronavirus era.

Polls across the world show a large majority of millennials and Gen Z would vote for a socialist politician, as they consider socialism to be the most compassionate system. Even in the US, where capitalism has become entwined with identity, 45 percent regard capitalism as positive — a 12-point decline over the past two years. 

"Since health guidelines and travel restrictions prevent in-person convening on our Doha Debates stage, this live-streamed program will virtually connect our speakers, a young voting audience, and millions of viewers around the world,” says Atallah.

Doha live debate will be telecasted on July 20 via Twitter, Facebook, or YouTube at 5 p.m. Doha / 10 a.m. ET, with a special pre-show program hosted by Hedayat.

You can also join the debate and discussion at @DohaDebates with the hashtag #DearWorld.

For any queries, or concerns related to COVID-19 in Qatar, the public can contact a 24/7 hotline set up by the Ministry. The hotline number is 16000 and is toll-free.

Here's everything you need to know about the virus, including ways to protect yourself.

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Source and Cover Image Credit: Doha Debates