AUK Students Host TEDx
Duhok, Kurdistan Region – October 10th, 2022 – The American University of Kurdistan (AUK) hosted the first-ever student-led TEDx event on its campus on October 1, 2022. The theme was “ChangeAble”; the objective of program was to promote fresh perspectives on personal and societal advancements both within Kurdistan and beyond.
Local, independently organized gatherings called “TEDx” bring people together to have a TED-like experience. The permits for organizing TEDx events are supplied by TED, a non-profit organization, in the spirit of “Ideas worth sharing,” whereas the x denotes the independently organized events with unique themes and topics.
AUK’s student-led initiative was spearheaded by Amena Mohammed, student of AUK’s Architectural Engineering Program, who attained the license from Tedx and oversaw the months of logistical planning, auditioning and training of speakers, and communications plan.
According to Amena, “as a team of young people, students, got together with one aim in mind, which was to inspire the ability to change. As the term ‘changeable’ shows, everyone yields the potential to make a positive change.”
The nine speakers, which included AUK students, journalists, entrepreneurs, and high school students, each presented on a variety of topics that aimed to spark the audience’s interest and motivate to action.
Speakers:
Reber Kurdo – Think to live, or live to think?
Sahar Najeeb – I am number one
Anas Kifah – The power of perspective
Mustafa Awni – Your academic life, satisfied or reassured?
Milan Khidher – Practical dimensions of philosophy
Sheenwar Siti – Design shame into pride with architecture
Rondik Ramadhan – The fears that imprison us
Aro Dana – Age doesn’t matter
Areen Barzani – The impact of planting trees
Besides students of AUK, members of the audience included the University’s President, Dr. Randall Rhodes, the Governor of Duhok, Dr. Ali Tatar, as well as presidents and representatives of other regional universities and the private and public sectors. officials from the business and government worlds and social media influencers. Governor Tatar said, “Our youths need to use positive changes to develop a stronger character and put it to good use in our community because the youth of Kurdistan can exceed their counterparts overseas when given a strong foundation.”
The music band Mishakht Group performed several folk tunes from various regions of Kurdistan. The Middle East Theater Organization presented a session for students and visitors on “Using Social Media as a Positive Tool”. Student projects, alumni businesses, and event sponsors had display tables in the Student Lounge.
For more information on the event and details about the speakers and the organizational team, visit TEDxAmericanUniveristyofKurdistan