Theme: BOLD STEPS: to accelerate progress

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).

Rida Saeed Conferences Hall, Presidential Buildings of Damascus University
Al-Baramkeh G76R+JM
Damascus, Dimashq, 0000
Syria

Dania Haffar

Entrepreneur + Social media influencer + Co-founder of "For The Love Of Syria" accessories brand and an enthusiast of Damascene heritage.

Dania is a content creator dedicated to uncovering the hidden gems, beauty, and originality of Old Damascus and share them with the world. For the Love of Syria is the brainchild of fashion jewelry designers Dania Haffar and Dima Kekhia Mahjoub. Native Syrians with a background reflecting the city that they inhabit and work in: urban, culturally diverse, and infused with artistic inspiration. Their jewelry fuses the essence of their Damascene culture resulting in unique, wearable pieces and part of their profit is aimed at supporting local Syrian charities.

Maria Saadeh

Politician/ Architrctural consultant and Conceptual Designer/ Projects Developer.

Maria is an architectural consultant for several entities, a former member of the Syrian Parliament from 2012 to 2016, a social and political activist, and the owner and director of the Pure Architecture & Art Center. She is an expert in sustainable architecture, green building design and strategic studies. Maria obtained a higher Diploma in Architectural Design with honor row in historical advancement in Syrian Churches Architecture, in addition to DESS in Conservation and Restoration of Old Monuments and Sites with the collaboration between Ecole Chaillot in Paris- France and Lebanese University in Tripoli. Maria taught Architectural Design at the Faculty of Architecture, University of Damascus from 2001 till 2010 and worked as an expert with General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums and many foreign archaeological missions. Maria is the chairman of the Board of Trustees of "Here Is My Identity" Foundation working on youth capacity development and identity enhancement.

Maya Youssef

Qanunist, composer. Qanun & Maqam Mentor

Hailed as ‘queen of the qanun’, (a 78-stringed plucked zither) Maya Youssef is a globally renowned qanun player and composer from Syria. Born in Damascus, Maya arrived in the UK in 2012, endorsed by Arts Council England as an Exceptional Talent. Maya’s albums received critical acclaim from the media and won the German Record Critics' Award and Songlines Music Award. Alongside the composition and performance aspects of her career, Maya has helped 100s of Arabic music enthusiasts from all over the world learn qanun, the modal system of the Arab world and the art of improvisation.

Nazira Daoud

Judge + National lawmaker

Judge Nazira Daoud serves as the president of the First Juvenile Felony Court in Syria (محكمة جنايات الأحداث المتفرقة الأولى). This court specializes in handling criminal cases involving minors who have committed various crimes. Daoud is also member of the Board of Directors of the Syrian Commission for Family Affairs and Population SCFAP. She has participated in workshops addressing violence against women and children and contributed to drafting the national bill concerning the elderly.

Samar Al- Nukari

Pharmacist + researcher + pharmaceutical training development and innovation practitioner

Samar is a licensed pharmacist who has worked with high-profile international pharmaceutical companies, where she mastered sales, marketing, and community pharmacy for both retail and clinical practice. Simultaneously, she pursued lecturing at the faculty of pharmacy at Tishreen University for three years. Additionally, she founded the Superior Pharmacists Office (SPO), a pharmaceutical customer service office that provides services and in-depth practical training programs. SPO is also a place for innovation and building various career pathways within the pharmacy field. Samar is pursuing her PhD in pharmaceutical chemistry at Debrecen University and holds an MSc in Drug Design and Quality Assurance from Tishreen University.