Doha, December 17 (QNA) - The Qatar Foundation's (QF) Doha Debates released a new episode of its global town hall series, themed: "National Identity and the Modern State", filmed at Bradford Literature Festival (BLF) in the United Kingdom.

The town hall was part of Doha Debates' global program of town halls and debates, designed to empower young people, spark critical discussion, and explore innovative solutions to pressing global challenges.

The episode brought together students from Qatar, the UK, and beyond, alongside leading thinkers, to explore how national identity intersects with modern states, citizenship, and belonging.

Student questions and reflections added depth to the discussion, demonstrating how intergenerational dialogue can challenge assumptions and spark creative insights.

The event was moderated by award-winning international journalist Malika Bilal and featured Dr. Wael B. Hallaq, Palestinian scholar and professor of Islamic Studies at Columbia University; Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Indian politician and author; and Dr. David Engels, Belgian philosopher and historian.

Dr. Wael B. Hallaq highlighted the ethical dimension of statehood and the need to renegotiate it in accordance with ethical standards. Dr. Shashi Tharoor reflected on the historical role of the nation-state, considering it the foundation upon which the world has been organized over the past two centuries, particularly the last century.

Dr. David Engels emphasized the importance of international cooperation, and that the future of the nation-state relies on its ability to cooperate with other nation-states.

Student perspectives further enriched the dialogue. John Carlos Burog, 23, a student at Georgetown University in Qatar, expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to connect personal experiences to broader societal issues, highlighting the importance of sharing students' stories and linking them to major contemporary challenges.

In the same context, Amjad Atallah, Managing Director of Doha Debates, noted that young people have great energy to engage with global issues: "When given the space to question, reflect, and contribute, they do not merely attend, but enrich the discussion with their insights and deepen the dialogue with their innovative perspectives".

The episode is available to watch on Doha Debates and Al Jazeera Digital platforms, along with a variety of programs, including debate episodes and The Negotiators podcast, all accessible via digital and podcast platforms. (QNA)