BM Desk:

TEDxGulshan 2023, an unforgettable journey into the world of innovation and equality, took center stage on Saturday. Under the theme “Innovation for Equality,” this independently organized TED event featured an aggregation of phenomenal speakers, leaving attendees inspired and proving their thoughts on a diverse range of topics.

With a resounding applause, TEDxGulshan 2023 marked a triumphant return, and its impact reached far and wide. The event featured 16 TEDx Talks that delved into groundbreaking ideas, challenging the status quo, and setting new standards for transformative discussions. Attendees had the privilege of hearing from renowned speakers, each of whom brought their own unique perspective.

Among the notable speakers, Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, an honorable figure, shared her remarkable journey to becoming the first female speaker in the country. Her story served as a shining example of how innovation and equality can be embraced in the public sector. Dr. Chaudhury stated, “Innovation is not confined to the private sector alone; it is a driving force that can transform the public sector and empower women in leadership roles.”

Praveena Yagnambhat, Chief of Staff of Boeing India, flew high with her story, leaving a lasting impression: “Innovation is the key to unlocking equality, and my journey is proof that individuals can drive change.”

Former Principal Secretary Mr. Abul Kalam Azad also added, “Innovation should be the driving force in our efforts to achieve equality, and TEDxGulshan has once again demonstrated its power in spreading this message.”

Ankita Bakshi, Content Strategist, APAC, BBC StoryWorks, spoke passionately about the power of storytelling: “Through our stories, we can break down barriers and unite people from all walks of life.”

Md. Abdul Quayyum, Head of Communications, UNDP Bangladesh, highlighted the collective responsibility to promote equality through innovation, saying, “TEDxGulshan has been a catalyst for transformative conversations.”

The event was not only about speakers but also featured an electrifying performance by the talented musician Ritu Raj and acoustic storytelling by Shayan Chowdhury Arnob. Their music resonated with the audience, adding a captivating dimension to the event’s atmosphere.

What set TEDxGulshan 2023 apart was its unwavering commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. The event was an open door for individuals with disabilities, embodying the principle that true innovation is inclusive and that everyone’s voice matters.

“The success of TEDxGulshan 2023 can be attributed to the dedicated team and the inspiring speakers who shared their incredible stories and insights. The talks are the best way to showcase the richness of our culture and innovations from our grassroots and inclusive harmony of our communities to the global community,” said the curator, Mr. Ashfaq Zaman.

At this year’s TEDxGulshan, also spoke Dr. Syed Muntasir Mamun, Director General (International Trade, Investment, and ICT), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Bangladesh; Rubana Huq, Vice Chancellor, Asian University For Women; Shayan Chowdhury Arnob, Bangladeshi Singer & Songwriter; Abeer Rajbeen, Head of Marketing, The Coca-Cola Company, Bangladesh; Vashkar Bhattacharjee, National Consultant Accessibility, a2i; Kebria Sarkar, Bangladeshi Radio Jockey and Television Presenter; Iftekhar Rafsan, Bangladeshi YouTuber & Content Creator; Imtiaz Ilahi, Former Army Commando & Triathlete; and Moutushi Kabir, Senior Director, People, Culture and Communications, BRAC.

In addition to these inspiring talks, there will also be a musical performance by Ritu Raj, a singer and one of the performers at Coke Studio Bangladesh.

LEAD Academy, the knowledge partner and facilitator of TEDxGulshan 2023, played a pivotal role in the thought leadership of the event. LEAD Academy is a world-class learning platform that offers the best learning technology with the most advanced education tools and empowers nation-builders with STEM and future-ready skills.

The TEDx talks will be featured on the official TEDx website and YouTube channels with 53 million viewers, and we will be presenting the stories of our country to the world. TEDxGulshan 2023 had the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh, as the strategic partner and The Coca-Cola Company, Bangladesh, as the gold sponsor. The Silver Sponsors were Green Delta Life Insurance Ltd., Dan Foods Limited, and Prime Bank Ltd.; Ice Cream Partner: Polar Ice Cream; PR Partner: Backpage PR; and Ticketing Partner: Tickify. The event also had YSSE as a youth engagement partner.