In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

MuziekGieterij
Boschstraat 7
Maastricht, Limburg, 6211AS
Netherlands

Aiden McQuade

Hailing from Northern Ireland, Aiden McQuade is the chief executive director of Anti-Slavery International, and has held the position since 2006. He has been internationally recognised for his instrumental contributions towards international news publications such as The Guardian, Equal Times and The Independant on the topic of slavery and forced labour in all corners of the globe. He was also a major contributor towards the Sustainable Development Goals put forward by the UN in 2015, placing the eradication of slavery as a worldwide priority in global social and economic development.

Chiel Mooij

Chiel Mooij studied the History of International Relations (MA) at Utrecht University. He taught Peace and Conflict Studies at UWC Atlantic College and introduced the new subject Global Politics there. Chiel currently teaches at United World College Maastricht, where he has also introduced Global Politics. An experienced examiner and workshop leader, Chiel is co-authoring the Oxford University Press Global Politics course companion.

Costas Georgiades

With roots in Taiwan and Cyprus, and born in South Africa, Costas Georgiades is truly a global citizen. A law student in Maastricht University, Costas holds the value of internationalism at heart, and has been involved in a myriad of projects both local and of global significance from young, including volunteering extensively and taking initiative in Lesbos, Greece with regards to the refugee crisis. He has also become the project secretary of Yo!Fest in commemorating the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Maastricht Treaty.

Edouard Jacqmin

Edouard Jacqmin, a 24 year old from Brussels, Belgium, is a budding explorer and traveller of the European continent. He has a strong passion for exploring the world beyond his comfort zone, and building intricate and meaningful social relationships in places far and wide - an interest cumulating in his thrilling adventure throughout Europe, all without spending a single cent.

Hans IJzereef

Hans IJzereef is one of the most experienced international business consultants of today. He has been involved in extensive work in the field of negotiation and executive coaching, helping governments and companies in a wide realm of contemporary developments.

Leon Toh

A UWC (United World Colleges) graduate from UWC Adriatic, Leon Toh has been involved in freelance journalism, accounting and economics on a global scale. Now pursuing a further degree in Accounting, Finance and Economics, while staying actively involved in the UWC scope, through the UWC Council and national committees of Singapore and Australia, Leon holds the knowledge, skill set and language capabilities to observe on a macro scale the global economy. With such assets at hand, and a keen interest in social entrepreneurship - especially targeting the young minds in our contemporary social landscape, Leon believes that the youth are instrumental in positive change and development.

Lotus Carmo

Since a young age, Lótus realized that they did not fit in the binary world. The struggles of been brought up in a normative society made them fear and hide their true self. After meeting the first non-binary transgender, their world change, and Lótus understood that they was not the only one. Defying the societal binary normative structure, Lótus advocates for representativeness, respect and understanding. Lótus is currently a student in the UWC movement (United World Colleges).

Roua Sibai

Spending your entire childhood in a warzone is not something easy to adapt to, especially if you were living in the most dangerous city of the world. Having to change your life and your future plans, because dangerous circumstances have stopped you and limited your opportunities is a challenging road to navigate. Roua Sibai faced these difficulties during her life in Syria, and now strives to make positive, sustainable impact as she studies on a UWC (United World Colleges) scholarship in The Netherlands.

Roy Erkens

Roy Erkens is a professor at the University of Maastricht where he teaches evolutionary biology and plant biology. His main research has been the investigation of patterns in plant biodiversity within the Neurotrophics and Europe.

Rudy van Beurden

Rudy van Beurden is a motivational, young entrepreneur, speaker and trainer who graduated from the University of Technology in Eindhoven. He kickstarts the personal development of large groups of people, and on top of that has a sharp eye for quality, content and details of custom programs, facilitating the development of interconnecting perspectives within his participants. Experienced chairman for the TU/e, Avans Hogeschool and the Red Cross, he takes initiative in the organisation and empowerment of others regarding their potential in business and education. He runs an organisation called GAAF, which promotes the philosophy of bringing positive energy to the business and educational worlds to enable the youth to discover the best within themselves.

Solomon OB

Champion, Solomon is a Musician, Emcee, and Spoken Word artist now residing in Bristol. He has featured on BBC Radio 1Xtra, The Guardian online as well as recently being named a guest speaker at the Telegraph Festival of Education. A lover of dynamic displays of lyricism, Solomon delivers passionate and engaging performances, challenging the status quo and constantly looking to push his own boundaries. Front man of the exciting Hip Hop & Funk collective that is Sounds of Harlowe, Solomon is now venturing out into the world of solo performance. Soon to release his debut solo EP 'The Writing is Real', he has also been chosen as one of the final six of BBC 1xtra & Roundhouse London's nationwide Words First Campaign. Solomon O.B is one to watch.

Zharina Nikko Casil

An 18 year-old, high school student whose life have been put into several crossroads, demanded from her an early maturity and the takeover of several responsibilities. Through hard work and people’s support, Zharina Nikko Casil received a scholarship to study in UWC (United World College) Maastricht. Her passion to give back to society, inspired her to create her new NGO “Dreams and Inspiration”.