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).

Aga Khan University Hospital
The Aga Khan University Stadium Road
Auditorium
Karachi, Sindh, 74800
Pakistan

Dr. Faisal Khan

Scientist

Dr. Faisal stands as a trailblazing figure at the convergence of biology, AI, and business, boasting over a decade of experience in spearheading transformative research and innovation. His academic credentials include a DPhil and MSc in Systems Biology from the University of Oxford, complemented by postgraduate education in Cancer Biology and Therapeutics at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Khan leads a multidisciplinary team in developing cutting-edge molecular and computational tools for personalized medicine. He concurrently serves as the Head of the Centre for Genomic Sciences at Rehman Medical Institute, overseeing Pakistan's largest genomic facility. His entrepreneurial spirit shines through his founding of Averos and his co-founding of Peshawar 2.0, an initiative fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Pakistan. He is recognized as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2019 and his membership in the Global Future Council on Synthetic Biology.

Maheen Zakariya

Student

Maheen Zakaria, a final-year MBBS student at AKU, brings a unique perspective to medicine. After graduating from Yale in 2017 with a Chemistry degree, she spent two years in research and self-reflection before joining AKU in 2019. As a key figure in Humanity Initiative - serving as General Secretary, President, and now Advisory Board Member - Maheen has been instrumental in mobilizing student efforts, particularly during Pakistan's recent floods. Under her guidance, student-led clinics continue to provide long-term care to Karachi communities, collaborating with city-wide medical professionals. While Maheen acknowledges the model isn't groundbreaking, she emphasizes its strength lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Her talk aims to inspire listeners to consider how they can make a positive impact on the world, starting today.

Mahim Meher

Journalist

Mahim is a veteran journalist with over two decades of experience in Karachi. Starting her career in the early 2000s, she quickly rose to become the founding city editor for prominent publications like Daily Times and The Express Tribune. Meher's focus on Karachi's urban planning, governance, and socio-political dynamics led to impactful long-form journalism that explored the city's rapid expansion and challenges, establishing her as an expert on Karachi's urban issues. She established the Wellbeing Centre at IBA's Centre for Excellence in Journalism, providing crucial mental health support for media professionals. Her diverse educational background, with degrees from McGill University, the University of Melbourne, and Concordia University, has enriched her journalism, particularly in narrative structure and language use. Her innovative leadership combined with her commitment to the welfare of media professionals, continues to shape the landscape of journalism in Pakistan.