On a momentous day at The Westminster School, Dubai (TWS), the spotlight shone on six brilliant young speakers at the TEDxYouth@TWS Dubai event, who dared to reimagine the future. Under the captivating theme, “The Next Big Thing,” this event offered a platform for youthful voices to challenge norms, explore bold ideas, and ignite discussions about the trajectory of humanity and our planet.
This landmark event was part of the global TEDx initiative, known for spreading transformative ideas. TEDxYouth events specifically empower younger generations, showcasing their intellectual prowess and passion for making a difference.
What Makes TEDxYouth@TWS Unique?
TEDxYouth@TWS Dubai stands out as a beacon of innovation and inclusivity. Organized by the students of The Westminster School, the event represents a commitment to fostering leadership, intellectual exploration, and creative expression among the youth.
This year’s theme, “The Next Big Thing,” encapsulated the essence of innovation and forward-thinking ideas. From technological revolutions to environmental restoration, the speakers shared powerful narratives that bridged imagination and practicality, inspiring a packed auditorium to think deeply about their role in shaping the future.
Highlights of TEDxYouth@TWS Dubai
The event featured six thought-provoking speakers, each presenting a unique take on what they believe is the “next big thing.” The topics ranged from artificial intelligence to environmental conservation, education reform, and mental health, showcasing the diverse interests and expertise of the students.
Keynote Talk: The Year the Earth Changed by Erfan Firouzi
Among the many impactful talks, one that stood out was Erfan Firouzi’s riveting presentation, titled The Year the Earth Changed. A passionate naturalist, author, and young environmentalist, Erfan shared his journey of witnessing the changing face of our planet and his mission to reverse humanity’s impact on the environment.
The Personal Connection: A Story of Loss and Awakening
Erfan began his talk with a poignant memory from his childhood—a simple yet profound moment when he helped an endangered wild Iranian tortoise cross the road. This experience marked a turning point, as it was the last time he ever saw one in the wild.
“That was the first and last time I saw one. The living world that gave stability to our planet was disappearing. The animals I used to find became rarer, and I realized that the natural world’s ability to provide the services we need to live was diminishing.”
Erfan’s personal connection to the environment set the tone for his talk, as he painted a vivid picture of the decline of species and habitats due to human activities.
Nature’s Resilience: Stories of Hope
Despite the dire situation, Erfan reminded the audience of nature’s incredible resilience and ability to recover if given a chance. He cited two inspiring examples:
- The Arabian Oryx: Once critically endangered, the Arabian Oryx has made a remarkable recovery in the UAE thanks to conservation efforts. From a population of just 160 in 2007, there are now over 6,900 Arabian Oryx in the wild—the largest population globally.
- Chernobyl: Even in the face of one of humanity’s greatest nuclear disasters, nature has rebounded. Within 30 years of the evacuation of Chernobyl, vegetation flourished, and animals began to return. This remarkable recovery demonstrates the power of nature to heal when left undisturbed.
“No matter how grave our mistakes, nature will rebuild. It’s up to us to decide whether we stand in its way or help it thrive.”
The Concept of REWILD: A Path to Restoration
Erfan proposed a comprehensive approach to environmental recovery, encapsulated in the acronym REWILD:
- R – Regenerate: Allow nature to reclaim its lost spaces by planting trees and restoring habitats.
- E – Evolve: Redesign cities and infrastructure to coexist with nature, such as quieter vehicles and sustainable waterways.
- W – Welcome Wildlife: Create spaces where humans and wildlife can coexist, turning cities into sanctuaries.
- I – Innovate: Develop technologies that mimic and support natural processes, like solar-powered walls, eco-friendly farming, and drone-assisted reforestation.
- L – Learn: Introduce wildlife education in schools to inspire future generations to value and protect the environment.
- D – Discontinue: Stop harmful practices such as poaching, pollution, and unsustainable resource exploitation.
Erfan ended his talk with a powerful challenge to the audience:
“Humans are the most innovative species on the planet. Let’s live up to that name. Let’s REWILD the world and make the next big thing a global recovery story.”
Other Talks: Illuminating the Path Forward
The event featured a diverse lineup of young speakers, each presenting unique and groundbreaking ideas:
- AI for Social Equity: A vision of artificial intelligence as a tool to create more equitable societies by eliminating biases and increasing access to opportunities.
- Reimagining Education: A roadmap for transforming the traditional education system to focus on creativity, emotional intelligence, and lifelong learning.
- Sustainability in Urban Spaces: Practical solutions for achieving carbon neutrality in cities through energy-efficient buildings and public transportation systems.
- Ethics in Progress: A reflection on balancing technological advancement with moral responsibility to ensure innovation serves humanity positively.
- Breaking Mental Health Stigmas: A moving personal story and strategies for fostering a culture of openness and support for mental well-being.
The Year the Earth Changed: A Book by Erfan Firouzi
In conjunction with his TEDx talk, Erfan’s book, The Year the Earth Changed, delves deeper into his journey as a naturalist. The book combines personal anecdotes, scientific insights, and a call to action, offering a hopeful vision of a world where humans and nature can coexist in harmony.
The book has garnered attention for its engaging narrative and its message of conservation and sustainability. Readers are taken on an inspiring adventure, exploring the intricate connections between all living things and the importance of preserving Earth’s delicate balance.
The Spirit of TEDxYouth@TWS Dubai
TEDxYouth@TWS Dubai exemplifies the mission of TEDx—to spark meaningful conversations and inspire change. The event emphasized the importance of empowering youth to lead the way, offering them a platform to share their visions for a better future.
“These young speakers are the architects of tomorrow, challenging us to imagine a brighter, more inclusive, and sustainable future.”
A Message to the World: What’s Your “Next Big Thing”?
TEDxYouth@TWS Dubai left audiences with a powerful message: the future is ours to shape. Whether through innovation, conservation, or education, the event reminded everyone that even the smallest actions can spark monumental change.
As Erfan Firouzi concluded in his talk:
“This can be the story of humans leading the planet to an amazing recovery. Together, let’s rewild the world and witness the next big thing.”
TEDxYouth@TWS Dubai was not just an event; it was a movement—a call to action for all of us to embrace the power of ideas and create a world that future generations can be proud of.
About TEDx and TEDxYouth Events
TEDx events are grassroots initiatives designed to bring TED’s mission of spreading ideas to local communities worldwide. TEDxYouth events, in particular, focus on empowering younger voices, offering a stage for students to present ideas and spark discussions.
TEDxYouth@TWS Dubai continues this tradition, showcasing the creativity, intellect, and passion of students at The Westminster School and setting a benchmark for other schools in the region.
Stay tuned for more ideas worth spreading.
