From childhood memories of lost gloves on an icy river to a lifetime of building connections across continents with the United Nations, this talk explores the vital role of bridges—both literal and metaphorical. Drawing on experiences from the Swiss Alps, Sudan, Pakistan, and beyond, Neil Buhne highlights the growing crisis of broken bridges and the urgent need to strengthen, rebuild, and create new ones. With insights from nearly four decades of UN experience in global diplomacy and human development, this talk offers a compelling call to action: how can we become better bridge builders in a world increasingly divided? Neil Buhne served the United Nations for 37 years across nine countries (1984–2021) before joining CCDP as a Research Associate and McGill University’s Institute for Studies in International Development as a Professor of Practice in 2022. In 2025, he joined the Advisory Board of the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) at the University of Oxford.Throughout his UN career, he focused on uniting its efforts for impactful development cooperation, humanitarian aid, and peacebuilding. He most recently served as Regional Director, Asia-Pacific, for the UN Development Coordination Office in Bangkok. Previously, he was the UN Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bulgaria, and Belarus. He also led UNDP Geneva’s Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery and UNDP’s Integrated Geneva Liaison Office. He continues to engage as a consultant to help improve the UN’s work at the country level. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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- 13:52The power of ferocious, feverish curiosity | Richard Dolan | TEDxKiwanis Park YouthWhat truly sets apart the rich and famous from the rest of us? Is it luck, talent, or something deeper? In this compelling talk, Richard Dolan shares his insights on how ferocity is the defining difference. Discover how embracing relentless determination can be the key to breaking through barriers and achieving extraordinary success. Richard Dolan is a 30-year veteran within the human betterment realm, with an established history in wealth management. He is the CEO of The House of Legacy, a group of companies dedicated to reimagining legacies for Icons, Legends and Gods of commerce and culture. Based in Toronto with offices in New York, Los Angeles and London; The House of Legacy is an advisory-oriented business providing strategy, marketing and venture catalyzation. His boutique bank is responsible for advising over $2.5B in AUM. Richard is described by Forbes magazine as “a business advisor to titans of industry futurizing their power, presence and purpose. Richard has earned three NBA Championship rings with the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers, primarily given his work and contribution to Lebron James. He is the author of 14 publications on subject matter including wealth management, real estate investing, performance psychology and leadership. With a background in happiness economics, behavioral finance and investor resilience; Richard is a visiting professor at Schulich School of Business (Executive Development division) co-authoring the Certificate in Wealth Management Program and Certificate in Marketing and Selling Wealth Management Services. Today, Richard advises on the subject of business for what’s new, now, and next with the likes of the most epic actors, musicians, athletes, thought leaders, CEO’s and members of The Royal Family. Richard is the proud father of Mateo and resides in Toronto. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 14:32Why Every Human Needs to be a Risk Manager | Hersh Shah | TEDxMahindraUniversityWhile change is the only constant, its the speed and impact of change that can be better managed through risk based decision making. Join Hersh Shah, CEO, IRM India Affiliate and India’s Youngest Enterprise Risk Expert for a powerful and thought-provoking talk as he explores how enterprise risk management (ERM) can reshape the future of individuals, families, businesses, and entire nations. In this insightful session, he unveils a simple yet impactful risk taxonomy and walks through real-life scenarios — from personal health missteps to corporate supply chain disruptions and national cyber threats. Discover how adopting risk literacy empowers every stakeholder to turn uncertainty into opportunity and build resilience at every level of society. Linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this talk redefines how smarter, risk-informed choices can help us achieve a more sustainable, equitable, and prepared world. Get ready to rethink every decision you make —because every choice matters. Hersh Shah is the CEO of the Institute of Risk Management's (IRM) India Affiliate, India's Youngest Enterprise Risk Expert, Columnist for CNBCTV18 and Agenda Contributor to the World Economic Forum. He is a Chartered Accountant, IIM Bangalore alumnus and Technical Specialist in Risk Management from IRM London. He started advocating the need for 360 degree risk management at a young age of 21. He carries over 15 years of experience in audit and assurance, risk management, consulting and corporate finance including structuring of strategic alliances & partnerships. He started his career with KPMG in the Governance, Risk and Compliance (Risk Advisory) services, where he worked on many enterprise risk consulting assignments across South Africa, USA, UK, China and the Middle East. Prior to setting up IRM in India, Shah set up and managed a microfinance NBFC within a financial services group where he scaled up the portfolio to over USD 15 mn leading a team of 250+ people. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 21:32The Joy of Aging | Jan Starr | TEDxMoreliaWomenJan Starr reflects on the power of living fully at any age. Drawing from her 94 years of life experience, spanning across cultures and personal challenges, Jan explores what it means to age with vitality, resilience, and an open heart. Her insights on loss, joy, and embracing the present offer a refreshing perspective on the gift of life. Through her story, Jan reminds us that every moment counts, no matter the stage of life we’re in. Born in Thunder Bay, Canada, Jan Starr has spent over two decades living part of the year in Morelia, Mexico. A retired high school physical education teacher, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Jan has dedicated her life to nurturing both body and spirit — for herself, her family, and her community. At 94, her vitality and wisdom continue to inspire those around her. Guided by the belief that “every person is walking their own unique path,” she encourages others to embrace change, live in the moment, and find joy in life’s simplest routines — including morning walks with her beloved cat, Madame. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 17:49Waste to Value: Powering a Sustainable Vision | Ayodhya Rami Reddy Alla | TEDxHyderabadCan waste fuel India’s future? Alla Ayodhya Rami Reddy, founder of Ramky Group, believes it can.Growing up with deep respect for nature, he witnessed firsthand how India’s waste management infrastructure lagged behind its rapid growth. Now, he’s leading the charge in converting municipal, medical, and industrial waste into clean energy, proving that sustainability and progress can go hand in hand.As India moves toward Net Zero Emissions by 2070, he calls on entrepreneurs, policymakers, and individuals to rethink waste—not as a problem, but as an opportunity to build a cleaner, greener future. Rajya Sabha MP Ayodhya Ramireddy is the visionary entrepreneur and founder of the Ramky Group and a trailblazer in green energy and waste management. With a vision of building world class infrastructure in environment management through sustainable growth, Ramky Group manages over 9M metric tons of waste annually through 150+ state of art Waste Management Facilities across various states in India and Middle & South East Asia and spearheads cutting-edge renewable energy projects. A firm believer in balancing growth with environmental stewardship, he has set benchmarks in circular economy practices, proving that business and sustainability can go hand in hand. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 12:33From Chance to Change | Ms. Ashwathy Venugopal | TEDxBVRIT HyderabadThe speaker talks on shifting from passively waiting for opportunities to actively creating them. Sharing lessons from her own journey, she emphasizes the importance of youth empowerment, women entrepreneurship, and driving social impact. Through her impactful 3S formula, she encourages the audience to break free from inertia and take meaningful action. Her message is a powerful call to build solutions that matter and become changemakers in their own right. Ashwathy Venugopal is a Social Entrepreneur, and Startup Ecosystem Enabler. An ex-Amazon professional, she serves as the Andhra Pradesh State Lead at Headstart Network and is a Leadership Board Member at Kectil International Youth Leadership Program. Featured in *75 Womenpreneurs of India* (2022) by Atal Innovation Mission, she has participated in global fellowships like Cherie Blair Foundation, Vital Voices GROW, and WEDU. Ashwathy’s venture, Avasarshala, has received international recognition from Bridge for Billions, Partos Netherlands, and Youth Co:Lab India. She is also a recipient of the Eastern Bhoomika Iconic Women Award 2020. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 17:53Every Stone Tells a Story | E Sivanagi Reddy | TEDxHyderabadWhat if the stones, pillars and random objects around you could speak? Dr. Siva NagiReddy, a passionate temple archaeologist and historian, takes us on a journey through the forgotten past, uncovering incredible stories hidden in temples and villages across Andhra and Telangana.In this fascinating talk, he shares how he found his calling and why history isn't just in textbooks—it’s all around us, waiting to be discovered. Look closely, because the next great story might be right under your feet! Dr. Emani Sivanagi Reddy, an esteemed archaeologist and historian, holds a Ph.D. in History and has a profound legacy in the conservation of heritage. A master of traditional sculpture, he transplanted over 100 historic temples and constructed more than 100 new ones across Andhra Pradesh. He has participated in many archaeological excavations and took up conservation of select Kakatiya Temples in Telangana. Honored with the ‘Vastusilpavachaspati’ title and AP’s prestigious Kalaratna award in 2019, he has authored 100+ books and 500 articles on archaeology and culture. Dr. Reddy currently serves as CEO of Pleach India Foundation and Buddhist Consultant for Telangana Tourism. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
