Theme: Start with a Yes

TEDxYouth@GAA is a 4 hour event happening on Saturday, May 12, 2018 at GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi with several speakers from the school community.

At GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi, we are strong believers in the power of collaboration, critical thinking, and the promising potential of our youth. “We Inspire. We Challenge. We Innovate. We Care.” This event has been independently organized by the students of Gems American Academy. We hope to spread and celebrate the spirit of ideas by bringing people together to share a TED-like experience.

Today’s society is rapidly changing. However, making a change for the better starts with accepting the idea of change, and this may simply be achieved by the simple act of saying ‘yes.’ A modern environment urges humanity to be open minded towards ideas as time and tide wait for no one. This same ideology applies to advancements in society, either in the form of new technology or a different idea. For these reasons, this year’s theme for TEDxYouth@GAA, “Start with a Yes,” urges the youth to take on challenges.

Empowering our youth will allow them to express new ideas and opinions on the subsequent topics: Culture, Globalization, Modern Society, Pop-culture, Predictions for the Future, Advancement and Progress/ Innovation, and Youth Empowerment. “Start with a Yes” is a movement that impels today’s youth to grow and integrate in a worldwide network of ideas that will one day be a part of the change.

Visit the TEDxYouth@GAA website to learn more: https://tedxgaa.wixsite.com/tedxyouthgaa

GEMS American Academy
Madinat Khalifa A, Next Seha
Abu Dhabi, Abū Z̧aby, 145161
United Arab Emirates

Adam Mohammad Binu

Student

Adam was born and raised right here in the Emirates. He is a multi-talented young man who aspires to become a successful entrepreneur. His many talents include playing instruments, singing, and public speaking.

Ahmad Qadir

Student

Born in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Ahmad has also lived in Sri Lanka and Hong Kong. He enjoys challenging opinions through debate. His hobbies include playing sports and exploring new technology. Today, he will share his thoughts on the future of technology.

Ahmed Azab

Student

An absolute math geek and an excellent sportsman, Ahmed was born in Cairo, Egypt and has also lived in Canada. He enjoys doing community service, playing guitar, and learning and teaching new things. He hopes to be a CEO one day.

David Allan

Teacher

Originally from Canada, Mr.Allan enjoys facing new endeavours. His experiences living and travelling Britain, Guatemala, and the UAE have contributed to his being an excellent chef. He aspires to redesign educational institutions and today he will be talking about his most important ‘Yes.’

Hanif Ayotunde Lawal

Student

Hanif was born in Nigeria and also lived in Houston, Texas. Motivated and strong willed, he is a team player who lifts everyone’s spirits up high. He enjoys sports and writing during his free time. Hanif aspires to become a lawyer and today he will be talking about building a better tomorrow.

Hanna Butt

Student

A strong and determined young lady, Hanna hails from San Jose, California. She loves to explore the world and discover unique things. However, it is her strong feminist spirit that brings her to the stage today. Hanna will be talking about youth and empowerment.

Hasan Abdalla

Student

A talented artist, Hasan’s goal is to live each day to its fullest. Born in Scotland, he has also lived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Hasan sees himself as a global citizen. He loves listening to music, making videos, and drawing. Today, he will be talking about why talent is so important.

Ibraheem Uzbeck

Student

Born in Pakistan, Ibraheem has also lived in America and Ireland. He is a hardworking and balanced student who loves to play football and guitar. Ibraheem enjoys public speaking, as well. He aspires to become a lawyer. Today, he and Adam will be speaking about pop culture and counterculture.

Isra Wehbe

Student

Isra is a conscientious young woman who has lived in the United States and Lebanon. Her ambition is to find success in helping people wherever she can. She always manages to put a smile on people’s faces and make them laugh. In her talk, she will discuss youth empowerment through the eyes of adults.

Jean Austria Kiernan

Student

An aspiring economist, Jean was born in the Philippines. He enjoys playing music, writing, and volunteering. His hardworking nature can be seen in all the tasks he takes on. Today, he and Ahmed will be speaking about memes, pop culture, and society.

John Thomas O’Neill

Teacher

Born in Manitoba, Canada, Mr. O’Neill has also lived in Japan and the UK. He enjoys being in the great outdoors and loves to play and perform music. His motto is “never stop growing and always aim for improvement.” Today, he will be speaking to you about progressive education.

Maurice Efroza Handi

Student

Born in Pekanbaru, Indonesia, Maurice aspires to create better solutions for global issues. He is a talented young man who loves badminton, reading, and cooking. Ever ready with a creative idea, Maurice will be addressing social engineering in today’s society and the future.

Omar Aqtash

Student

An intelligent young man, Omar loves basketball and photography. He literally juggles his way through tough times and draws his worries away. He aims to be a top tier anesthesiologist one day. Today, he will be discussing innovation and technology in our ever-changing society.

Ria Swaminathan

Student

Originally from India, Ria will capture your attention with her fun and quirky nature. She excels in every field in the arts, and wishes to pursue a career in it one day. Today, she will be speaking about the importance of cultural traditions and the dangers of letting them deteriorate.