Theme: Breaking Boundaries

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).

TEDxAUIS
Sulaimani - Kirkuk Rd, Sulaymānīyah 46001
Sulaymānīyah, As Sulaymānīyah, 460013
Iraq

Ali Al-Baroodi

Ali Al-Baroodi is a university lecturer and a photographer. He has spent the last several years documenting life in the city of Mosul-Iraq from the eyes of the locals. His work has gained the attention of the national and international audiences. He has also worked to help revitalize the university of Mosul library by replenishing its inventory of books, as well as rehabilitation the building itself.

Ali Al-Makhzomy

Ali Al-Makhzomyy is the founder of the first tourism startup in Iraq, Bilweekend. His project aims to promote cultural tourism at heritage sites, as well as,adventure tourism across Iraq. As an entrepreneur, Ali has over come numerous hurdles in making Bilweekend but he maintains that Iraq's tourism industry is the key to help the country flourish.

Chawan Hiwa

Chawan Hiwa is a 24 year old mother who works as a car mechanic in Sulaimaniyah city in Iraq.She has been breaking the social norms by working in a profession mostly associated with men. Chawan admits the difficulties she faced in the beginning but now she can practice what she likes with the support of her husband and family.

Dark Phantom

Dark Phantom is a heavy metal band from the city of Kirkuk in Iraq. Their unique style of music is not familiar to locals in their city where non traditional genres of music are considered taboo. Despite the serious criticism of their music, the group has developed a dedicated fan base that supports their struggle for their artistic freedom.

Kazhal Ahmed

Kazhal Ahmed is renowned Kurdish female poet born in Kirkuk, Iraq in 1967. She began writing poetry in her early 20s and quickly gained a large following of readers. Her writing touched upon topics that are considered taboo in the Kurdish society. He work has been translated into Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Norwegian, and English from her native Kurdish.

Mohammed Al-Makhzomy

Mohammed Al-Makhzomy is a 25 year old activist currently working with YALLA Iraq. He works to share positive stories from across the country while discussing social issues. In his videos, he does social experiments touching on coexistence among Kurds and Arabs. His goal is to make a positive change in the society.

Mr. Erbil

Mr. Erbil is a club for gentlemen interested in fashion as well as raising awareness about important issues in the country. The Group is based in Erbil, Iraq and they have gained international media attention for the way they dress. The group has also established their own clothing brand that is going international.

Shero Bahradar

Shero Bahradar, from Sulaimaniyah, Iraq, is one of the founders of Xline. A project that focuses on giving young people in Sulaimaniyah a place to gather, explore ideas, and build a creative future. This project aims to create an environment for individuals and youth organizations to thrive and establish themselves.

Sherzad Hassan

Sherzad Hassan is a well known Kurdish writer and historian who has tackled subjects like corruption, women's rights, and the role of patriarchy in the society. He played a significant role in founding a new intellectual in Sulaimaniyah city in Iraq. His numerous novels, poems, essays, and short stories have been translated into a number of different languages.

Sulaiman Tameer

Sulaiman Tameer runs the Kurdistan Organization for Animal Rights Protection (KOARP) in Kurdistan and he is currently based in Dohuk city, Iraq. He also teaches animal protection classes to local children and he has been really active in several animal rescue operations. His aim is to raise awareness among people about the importance of animal rights, also encouraging animal adaptation culture in the society.