(MENAFN- The Peninsula)
Oussama Abbassi
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The Peninsula
Doha, Qatar: Three influential voices at the intersection of entertainment, sports, and social activism converged at the Doha Forum 2024 to confront a pressing question of our digital age: Can online advocacy truly drive real-world change?
In a candid discussion at Al Rayyan hall in Sheraton Grand hotel, golden globe winner Ramy Youssef, Olympic champion Imane Khelif, and digital pioneer David Vujanic uncovered the layers of digital influence to examine both its transformative power and troubling limitations.
As platforms increasingly shape public engagement with global crises, the session exposed the complex relationship between digital advocacy and tangible real-world impact.
The speakers drew from personal experiences to illuminate the evolving phenomenon of digital activism in our interconnected world.
Ramy Youssef speaking at Doha Forum 2024. Photo by Oussama Abbassi
Youssef, who recently garnered acclaim for his role in 2023's "Poor Things" and being the first Egyptian from New Jersey hosting a Saturday Night Live show, spoke passionately about his long-standing commitment to Palestinian narratives.
"My work is about finding something where hearts can be reached," he explained, highlighting how his shows had addressed Palestinian issues "long before it became a conversation that Americans wanted to have."
The Golden Globe winner emphasized that his advocacy wasn't a reaction to the recent onslaught in Gaza, noting that creating content about Palestinian experiences was "art that we knew we had to make" before he even entered the industry.
He stressed that creators have a responsibility to maintain a strong focus on Gaza, regardless of trending topics or potential career implications.
The second speaker, Imane Khelif, who made history as Algeria's first female boxing gold medalist at Paris 2024, delivered a powerful critique of digital power dynamics and harassment.
Imane Khelif speaking in Doha Forum 2024. Photo by Alexandra Evangelista
Speaking from personal experience, she condemned the practice of influential figures targeting those with less privilege without evidence.
"It is wrong in our world for these powerful big people to bully and pick on those that are less than them, simply because it serves their hateful agenda," she stated firmly, addressing her own experiences with social media harassment by prominent and powerful world figures.
The UNICEF ambassador emphasized the need for systemic change in how digital influence is wielded internationally. "This world needs correction because it is changing rapidly and people are overly misguided by those in power that exploit their influence," she explained, highlighting the broader implications of unchecked digital power.
Khelif's journey from a rural, conservative environment in the deserts of Algeria to an Olympic gold success shapes her message to young women.
Speaking directly to women across Algeria and the Arab world, she expressed her hope that she has "rightfully represented them in the world arena as strong, unbeatable women," emphasizing her commitment to being the best possible role model for the next generation.
The champion boxer also highlighted the growing popularity of women's boxing, offering encouragement to aspiring athletes. "I advise women to do sports, and if they aspire to do boxing, of course, it will be better for them," she advised, emphasizing the importance of persistence and determination in this sport.
Her message particularly resonated given her own path to success as a UNICEF ambassador who began boxing at age 16 and reached the Olympics just a few years later. Khelif's words carried the weight of lived experience, demonstrating how determination can overcome both digital harassment and societal barriers to achieve historic success.
David Vujanic speaking in Doha Forum 2024. Photo by Alexandra Evangelista
Further on, David Vujanic, who evolved from creating viral YouTube parodies to becoming a respected voice in football content, brought unique insights about authentic community engagement and cultural understanding.
Drawing from his background as a refugee and his degree in International Relations, he emphasized how sports content can transcend cultural boundaries.
The content creator spoke particularly warmly about his experience at Qatar World Cup 2022, which he described as "excellent" and "the best World Cup ever."
He noted how he approached Qatar with an open mind, challenging prevailing narratives in Western media.
"I came in with an open mind, and what I saw was different," he shared, praising the clean and respectful atmosphere he encountered.
He particularly highlighted the authenticity he found in Qatar, where he observed people freely expressing themselves.
His perspective emphasized how direct experience and genuine engagement often reveal realities that differ from predominant digital narratives.
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