Theme: karbala Goes Global

TEDxKarbala Live is the first TEDx event ever held in the city of Karbala. As a Live edition, it offered exclusive access to the latest TED2025: Humanity Reimagined talks, combining them with local perspectives and audience interaction. While TEDxLive events are often seen as simple viewing experiences, in Karbala it became an inspiring platform to blend global ideas with local voices, creating a truly engaging and meaningful gathering.

Karbala
314
Karbala, Karbalā', 10056
Iraq

Dr. Haider Naji

PhD Architectural Engineering

Haider Naji is an architect with a PhD in Architectural Engineering from the University of Baghdad. He is a faculty member at the College of Engineering, University of Karbala, where he founded the Department of Architecture in 2015 and chaired it for several years. He also served as the Associate Dean of the College of Engineering in 2014. Throughout his career, he has taught at multiple Iraqi universities, participated in key academic committees, and published numerous studies and research papers in his field.

Dr. Raghda Amer

Doctor

Raghda Amer is a doctor and psychiatry student who graduated from the College of Medicine, University of Karbala, in 2019. She currently works at Baghdad Teaching Hospital. Alongside her medical career, she pursues drawing as a hobby and has participated in several art exhibitions. Raghda has also been involved in mental health awareness campaigns and helped organize an art exhibition highlighting mental health disorders.

Hussain Salih

Technical Engineer

Hussain Salih holds a master’s degree in Computer Science and works as an AI researcher and engineer. A self-taught learner and volunteer trainer at the AI company “Chai,” he was recognized by TensorFlow, Google’s AI platform, for his contributions. Hussain also designed a prototype for AI-powered smart glasses, which was nominated for a patent.

Mohammed Al-Sawwaf

Photographer

Mohammed Al-Sawwaf is a professional photographer working with Agence France-Presse (AFP) since 2004. He has participated in numerous local and international festivals and holds an Arab Trainer Diploma accredited by the Ossan Academy. Al-Sawwaf has organized several photography exhibitions, trained many Iraqi photographers, and served as a judge in both local and international photography competitions. He is the founder of the Karbala Photography Club and has received multiple international awards. He is also a frequent speaker at events and conferences.