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).

Lahore College for Women University
Lahore College for Women University
Jail Road
Lahore, Punjab, 54000
Pakistan

Basarat Midhat Kazim

Pioneering Educationist: Founder and President, Alif Laila Book Bus Society (ALBBS)+ President IBBY Pakistan Section

For decades Ms.Basarat Midhat Kazim has been providing meaningful education in Pakistan to children, especially girls, from disadvantaged, social and economic backgrounds. She is responsible for the growth of the Alif Laila Book Bus Society from a children's library to an entire educational ethos. • Since 1978 she has been advocating the importance of books and reading for children and has worked on setting up children’s libraries, mobile libraries, reading corners and early childhood centres in public and private schools. She set up Basti Schools in squatter colonies in Lahore in 1990 and made them into activity based learning spaces for learning through projects and fun. Awards received: Nelson Mandela Award 2007; Fatima Jinnah Gold medal from the Punjab Government in 2009; Freedom Through Literacy Grand Prize from Judith’s Reading Room in 2015; Gold Stevie Award 2022 for Most Innovative Woman of the Year Government or Non Profit Inspiring Women Awards: Women making Waves 2023.

Dr Amina Obaid Khawaja

Associate Professor Applied Psychology, Animal Rights Activist

Introducing Dr. Amina Obaid Khawaja, an Associate Professor and a guiding force at LCWU since 2004, currently leading the MS Psychology program. Dr. Khawaja is a trailblazer in psychology, known for her innovative Islamic therapy, the Transcendental Model, and her advocacy for both humanity and animals. Her dedication extends to initiatives like Pakistan’s first compassion camp for street dogs, reflecting her belief in “muhabbat fateh alam” – where love triumphs above all.

Dr. Nausheen Mazhar

Physical Geographer, Climate activist, Educationist

Dr Nausheen Mazhar is a Physical Geographer and a climate activist at Lahore College for Women University, with a specialization in Desertification. With a fellowship from the University of Leeds, UK, she has continued her end-user focused research with a particular interest in desert ecosystems, dryland ecology, rural livelihoods, and climate change. An Associate Professor, Physical Geographer, Climate activist and Chairperson of Geography Department, her talk underscored climate urgency, emphasizing the need for global recognition and individual action to address escalating natural disasters.

Dr. Umar Sheraz

Climate Change Enthusiast~ Futures Researcher ~ Learning through Gaming ~ Facilitator ~ Storyteller

Dr. Umar Shiraz - Senior Research Officer at COMSATS University Islamabad, discussed his insights from gaming sessions with different audiences, globally and in Pakistan. This includes impact of climate change on various professions while also highlighting climate induced anxiety and Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change. Dr Umar is a social change researcher, cross-disciplinary collaborator and foresight practitioner, operating at the intersection of academic and commercial practice. He is involved in training, consultancy and report-writing roles with International and Pakistani universities, NGO’s, Think Tanks and other organizations. His emphasis has been on opening up the future space to explore alternative futures and strategies to achieve a preferable future.

Mr. M. Ali Kemal

Chief SDGs in Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives

• Mr. Ali Kemal has insights into macroeconomic issues facing Pakistan, including exchange rate management. He is also a keen observer of all issues surrounding the state of SDGs in Pakistan. His expertise are exchange rate movements, trade barriers faced by Pakistani exporters, Exports and Imports situation and policies affecting their performance, underground economy and taxation, income inequality, poverty, money and inflation, inflation-growth nexus, taxation efforts, property rights and last but not the least Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) etc. He has done numerous field works relating to trade and industry, poverty, community organizations, health and nutrition. His contributions in setting up SDGs sections at federal and provincial levels are highly commendable. M. Ali Kemal, trained at QAU, University of Warwick and Colorado State University and groomed at PIDE, he is now serving as Chief SDGs at the Ministry of Planning Development and Special Initiatives.

Ms Sarah Arshad

Sustainability and Climate Change Enthusiast

Ms. Sarah Arshad - a recent graduate and LCWU alumna passionate about environmental science. Her hours invested in understanding the complexities of energy sources, challenges, and sustainable solutions, made her emerge as a beacon of innovative thinking. As an Amal Fellow, she spent quality time developing business skills. She is also an experienced teacher of STEM subjects.