The Munathara Initiative

Munathara is an open Arabic speaking debate initiative based in Washington DC and Tunis.

Our vision is to create an independent, innovative, fair and representative debating forum in which anyone can take part and voice their opinions, regardless of social status, gender, education, or even location.

At this important time in the history of the MENA region, and after the events witnessed by the Arab world since 2010, we think debating should no longer be a privilege. It is everyone’s right to be heard and engage in constructive debate to find solutions to some of our greatest challenges. Every lost voice means lost potential for the advancement of our region. Every voice matters.

Munathara organizes both online debates and live panel debates in cities across the MENA region. Anyone can take part in our forum by submitting a related opinion video of up to 99 seconds on our current debate topics. “Opinion leaders” are chosen by voters; ratings and votes will determine which videos move up in the ranking. And, as part of our regular Musabaqat (debate competitions), we invite two top-ranking debaters, new opinion leaders selected by the voters, to take part in our live panel debates.