Theme: Shift

TEDxNishtiman is an independent TEDx event in Kurdistan region of Iraq, dedicated to spreading innovative ideas and fostering intellectual discussions. It provides a platform for local and international speakers and thinkers to share their unique perspectives and insights with a global audience. Highlighting its commitment to exploring ideas that resonate with the region's culture and aspirations while connecting with the broader TEDx community. It's a fantastic initiative that celebrates the power of ideas and dialogue in a region with a rich history and a promising future.

Saad Abdullah Conference Hall
Gulan Street, Next to Divan Erbil Hotel.
Erbil, Arbīl, 44001
Iraq

Azad A. Ismail

Azad A. Ismail is a social media influencer from Gopal village in Erbil, known for his innovative work at Snapchat’s AR department. Over the past three years, Azad has leveraged his platform to educate and inform his community about the responsible use of social media. He has conducted over 30 seminars in various educational institutions, focusing on the dual aspects of social media and advocating for digital wellness. Azad's work emphasizes the importance of balancing social media's benefits with mindfulness of its challenges.

Bilal Saeed

Bilal Saeed is an insightful analyst and speaker who delves into the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on various industries and the global job market. Bilal is studying and working on how this technology enhances productivity and efficiency while also posing significant challenges by potentially displacing millions of jobs.

Dalia Dashty Dzay

Doctor

Dr Dalia Dashty Dzay is a distinguished sociologist and a dedicated activist for disabled people's rights in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. As the first disabled person to obtain a master's degree in the region, she has not only broken barriers but also used her platform to champion the importance of mental health. Her activism and academic pursuits underscore her commitment to fostering a society where mental and physical health are equally valued, promoting a holistic approach to the well-being of all individuals, especially those with disabilities.

Fadil Jaf

Doctor

Dr. Fadil Jaf is a distinguished theater director, researcher, and educator, currently serving as the Dean of the College of Fine Arts at Salahaddin University in Erbil, Kurdistan region. With a rich background in directing plays by renowned playwrights such as Shakespeare and Beckett, Dr. Jaf has also specialized in biomechanics and Meyerhold’s acting system, applying these techniques in his teaching and workshops across various countries, including Sweden, Finland, and the UK. Fluent in multiple languages and holding a Ph.D. from St. Petersburg, Russia, and an M.A. from Goldsmiths College, London University, Dr. Jaf is also an adviser to the Ministry of Culture. His academic and practical experiences enrich his approach to merging the arts and leadership training.

Ghassan Emmanuel

Ghassan Emmanuel is an academic and professional in software and informatics engineering, focusing on wireless networks and security. Ghassan has over a decade of teaching experience at Cihan Erbil University. He is an international expert trainer for CISCO and has published more than 35 scientific papers globally. His work educates future engineers and contributes to vital cybersecurity discussions in various international forums.

Kaziwa Nasraddin

Kaziwa Nasraddin is a seasoned Human Resources Manager with extensive experience in both domestic and international markets. Holding master's degrees in Business Administration from Germany and expertise in mechanical engineering, she has led HR initiatives across various sectors, including the nonprofit sector in Iraq and Spain. Kaziwa's professional journey is marked by her roles in significant organizations such as WHO, IOM, and UNICEF, where she has excelled in training, consulting, and organizational development. Her approach to HR management and job market navigation is informed by a deep understanding of cultural and business environments, making her a respected leader.

Muhammed Khani

Doctor

Dr. Muhammed Khani is a notable figure in the Kurdistan region, also known as an Education influencer. From his extensive experience in the educational sector, Dr. Muhammed has a critical role in imparting knowledge and molding the next generation’s characters and ideologies. He is an innovative teaching method that significantly enhances student engagement and learning outcomes. Dr. Khani has done more than 100 seminars about life development for young people in the region.

Peshawa Ahmad

Motivational Speaker

Peshawa Ahmad's journey from modest beginnings in Halabja, Kurdistan region of Iraq, to achieving prestigious academic and professional milestones showcases the transformative power of hope. Despite facing repeated academic challenges, his unwavering dedication to growth earned him a scholarship at Harvard University, where he specialized in management and public finance. Peshawa's professional path includes notable roles at global technology firms, but his passion for youth development drew him back to Kurdistan. Beyond his accomplishments, he strives to inspire and uplift others, promoting hope and resilience.

Shanaw Jalal

Shanaw Jalal is an environmental advocate focused on promoting sustainability and reducing environmental pollution. Shanaw has actively participated in various initiatives to educate and mobilize communities to adopt more sustainable lifestyles. Her work emphasizes practical steps individuals can take to minimize their impact on the environment, advocating for a collective effort to preserve natural resources and enhance ecosystem health.

Taban Sami Shoresh

Taban Sami Shoresh is a survivor, advocate, and beacon of hope. As the founder and CEO of The Lotus Flower, she oversees initiatives that have touched the lives of over 60,000 vulnerable individuals in Kurdistan and northern Iraq. Her efforts are grounded in her own experiences as a former child prisoner and a genocide survivor. After a successful career in London, she returned to Erbil and the Kurdistan region to aid Yazidi genocide survivors. She later founded The Lotus Flower, which aligns with the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Taban's work has earned her numerous accolades, including an OBE for her services to refugees and displaced people.