Open debating contest nurtures culture of constructive dialogue
Oman Debate Centre inaugurated the third edition of its Open Debating Championship on Sunday at the 28th Muscat International Book Fair.
The three-day event is aimed at nurturing a culture of dialogue, critical thinking and persuasive skills among Omani youth, thereby broadening their cultural perspectives and instilling a deep-rooted appreciation for constructive dialogue.
Marking its position as the most significant open category debate in the sultanate, the championship offers a vital platform for participants to voice their views on a wide range of subjects, spanning local to global concerns.
Nasser bin Humaid al Hinai, Executive Director of Oman Debate Centre, outlined the championship's objectives which include enabling participants to effectively express their ideas and opinions, promoting critical evaluation and fostering a tradition of dialogue that contributes to the enrichment of academic and scientific communities.
Elaborating on the inclusivity of the event, Hinai said, "The championship welcomes diverse participants, including school, college and university students, members of sports teams and clubs, public and private sector employees, and individuals representing civil society organisations."
He informed that the ongoing edition saw registrations from nearly 100 speakers in the individual category and 28 teams, all of whom have benefited from preparatory workshops led by experienced debaters.
The choice of Muscat International Book Fair as the venue for the event was strategically made, Hinai added. Being the largest cultural gathering in the sultanate, attracting thousands of visitors annually, the fair provides an unparalleled opportunity for Oman Debate Centre to showcase the art of debating.
"Hosting the championship at this venue underscores the pivotal role debating plays in cultivating a generation proficient in systematic dialogue and reasoning," Hinai said, highlighting the synergy between the book fair's cultural mission and the championship's educational goals.