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).

American University of Kurdistan auditorium on campus
Zakho Road, Semel, Duhok
1st Floor
Duhok, KRG, Dahūk, 42001
Iraq

Anas Kifah Mahmood

Anas Kifah is an architect and entrepreneur who resides in the city of Duhok. Anas began his career at the age of 17 by co-founding the GM organization for youth empowerment and community development in 2018. He then co-founded Quod Studios for design and printing services while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering at the American University of Kurdistan. After graduating, Anas focused on expanding new horizons in visualization and rendering engines, specializing in environmental design.

Areen Barzani

Student, Social influencer, Activist.

He is in the final year of his undergraduate studies in international relations, specializing in security and strategic studies at the American University of Kurdistan (AUK). He is passionate about the power of social media and its capacity to shape discourse and build understanding. He engages widely on issues that transcend borders in the Middle East, including youth empowerment, climate change effects, saving trees, the environment, and sports. He volunteers with local charity organizations and helps raise funding for schools, orphanages, and children's hospitals. Areen is also currently involved in a start-up incubator to help provide shared space and services to budding entrepreneurs. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, swimming, and horse riding.

Aro Dana

Aro Dana Faeq as known as AroKurd is a 15 years full-stack developer and graphic designer working in the technology industry for ~5 years now. He is the founder and CEO of 2 freelance companies. He has participated in a programming competition by Google that was for programming experts from the age of Twenty-two and older. More than one hundred twenty thousand teams from Universities and Companies participated, and he got first place in Iraq by competing with all the universities and companies that participated. Not to forget that Aro got the three hundred eighty-ninth place in the world. He was one of those contributors that contributed to adding the Kurdish Sorani dialect to google translate, and because of these achievements, he has been working on influencing youths to work in the technology industry, and thousands of other youths were influenced to work on getting skills.

Milan Khidher Domle

Milan Khidher is a dentist, social activist, and digital artist, but she is far more interested in human nature and human behavior than any of the aforementioned occupations. She seeks different approaches and methods on how we can develop our own character to be more productive in our lives.

Mustafa Awny (Tophi)

Mustafa Awny, also known as Tophi, is a 20-year-old junior at The American University of Kurdistan majoring in Architectural Engineering. He is a person with numerous interests in life. He is dreamy and energetic, but more importantly, he knows how to make wise choices, which is the primary reason you should consider listening to him. He enjoys swimming, cooking, designing, and drawing, among other activities. His topic will take you on a journey concerning the empowerment of youth and societal norms.

Reber Kurdo

Rêber Kurdo, also known as Rêber Abdila Ahmed. Author and speaker on the topics of philosophy, sociology, youth, culture, and history. Rêber has overcome a multitude of large and minor obstacles to reach the stage. Through articles, seminars, radio, and television programs, he has reached the stage. The current stage that Rêber is in is merely a stepping stone to a higher and more comprehensive level. He has several book projects and programs planned for the future, and he is currently writing a book that addresses the worldview and needs of the youth of the era. The topic is thinking and philosophy, addressing the question of whether we should base our lives on our thoughts or our thoughts on our lives.

Rondik Ramadhan

In Duhok resides the psychologist and activist Rondik Ramadhan. She states, “I have enjoyed helping others since I was a child, and this feature has grown within me over time.” This is why she became an activist and has been volunteering for a number of years. She graduated from Duhok University’s Basic Education and Psychology department. During her time as a student, she founded a volunteer organization called (We Are Strong), which many students joined to. This group was active for five years and accomplished numerous projects. She continues to volunteer and is a fashion designer. Rondik states that she had to overcome numerous obstacles in order to pave a path for herself which enables her to acknowledge her existence. This is why she enjoys assisting and inspiring young people, particularly women. Her topic is fear, specifically the fears that imprison us and the fears we should combat.

Sahar Najeeb

Sahar Najeeb is 17 years old and is originally from Duhok. She is a senior at the Bizhara Typical School. She has always desired a career as a public speaker. She has always intended to give TED talks because words have such a profound effect on people. Sahar finds great comfort in reading and enjoys exploring the various topics she discovers in books. Also, in her spare time, she enjoys journaling in search of every ounce of creativity. Despite having to face the challenges of adolescence, she enjoys developing her skills and bettering herself.

Sheenwar Siti

Born, raised, and educated in London as the son of an artist. Sheenwar Siti now an architect, was always a maker. The contrast of being raised by Kurdish parents whilst growing up in British society, meant that Sheenwar’s sense of identity was always changing. This social distinction has at times meant being an outcast, while at other times it was an opportunity to show an alternative perspective. As an architect, he is fascinated by how buildings themselves can facilitate new alternatives for social change. Sheenwar graduated with his Bachelors and Masters from London. After working in various architectural offices in the UK, he has returned to his parents’ hometown of Duhok, now a fast-growing city, where he lectures in academia at the American University of Kurdistan.