News

As part of its ongoing commitment to raising awareness about cybersecurity and fostering a digital culture among youth, the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), represented by the National Cyber Security Academy, has announced its sponsorship of the local debate championships organized by Qatar Debate, targeting universities and high schools across Qatar.

This sponsorship aligns with NCSA’s efforts to support intellectual initiatives aimed at empowering youth and enhancing their skills in critical thinking, public speaking, and constructive debate. It provides a platform for participants to discuss regional and global issues with responsibility and awareness, while also emphasizing the importance of digital safety and cybersecurity challenges in today’s interconnected world.

NCSA as a Strategic Partner in the Second University Debate League

Under the sponsorship of NCSA, Qatar Debate Center, a member of Qatar Foundation, organized the Second University Debate League in Arabic, bringing together 84 debaters representing 28 teams from 9 academic institutions. The event took place on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies.

The competition featured insightful and thought-provoking discussions on pressing issues relevant to today’s youth. The final debate tackled the motion:
"This House believes that the use of cyber-attacks by states to achieve political objectives is justified."

Qatar University 2 secured the highest score, with its team excelling in argument construction, analysis, and persuasive reasoning, demonstrating a strong knowledge base and quick-witted responses. The winning team members were:
Suhad Mohammed Abu Zaid, Alia Amer Al-Shammari, and Lujain Nader Abu Hamam.

Enhancing Cyber Awareness and Empowering Youth

Commenting on this partnership, Dalal Al-Aqeedi, Director of National Cyber Excellence at NCSA, stated “We firmly believe in the importance of empowering youth and increasing their awareness of contemporary issues, with cybersecurity being a key priority. Through our support for this championship, we aim to reinforce digital safety principles and encourage participants to critically engage with cybersecurity challenges."

Al-Aqeedi added “This initiative also seeks to expand collaboration with educational institutions and promote intellectual discussions that contribute to building a strong and secure digital community. Investing in youth awareness today is an investment in a safer and more sustainable future for all."

Towards a More Aware and Secure Digital Society

This sponsorship reflects NCSA’s strategic vision to cultivate a robust digital culture by supporting initiatives that foster responsible dialogue, analytical thinking, and constructive engagement. It underscores NCSA’s dedication to nurturing young talent and preparing them to play an active role in shaping the cyber landscape at both the local and global levels.