Much time and effort goes into animal rescue each year, but Kimo Pokini asserts that the future of animal welfare depends on pet retention. He shares an approach that recognizes the wellbeing of pets and their people is deeply connected, making caring for both the key to relieving pressure on shelters and rescues as well as building a more compassionate, resilient society.Kimo Pokini is a co-founder of Ruff Haven Crisis Sheltering, a nonprofit that aims to keep pets and people together in times of crisis. His journey is depicted in the award-winning film “Kimo and Jazz”, and he has appeared on podcasts with NPR and Dog Save the People. Kimo is currently a member of AARP-Utah’s Executive Council. Alongside his husband Stanley, they provide full-time caregiving for their elderly parents and their rescue dog, Kubo.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

NOTE FROM TED: We've flagged this talk because it falls outside the content guidelines TED gives TEDx organizers. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdfIn a passionate talk, Michelle Lissoos champions accelerating UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 through innovation and technology. Her focus: revolutionising education delivery, especially in marginalised communities. Lissoos argues that expanding access isn't enough—we must transform how we educate. Through iSchoolAfrica, her brainchild, Lissoos tackles educational challenges with tech solutions like personalised learning and AI. She calls on all stakeholders to embrace this paradigm shift, envisioning a world where every child accesses high-quality education. Lissoos emphasises that this isn't just about better schooling—it's fundamental to creating a more equitable world. Her message: transforming education is key to unlocking Africa's potential. Michelle Lissoos, a 20-year veteran in educational technology integration, champions tech empowerment for all. She leads iSchoolAfrica, supporting 100,000+ vulnerable learners, including those with disabilities, to thrive in the digital world. Her expertise spans roles as Director of iStore Education, Director of Learnthings, and lead participant on the Nepad e-commission 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

Sweta Samota is an award-winning book coach, bestselling author, and motivational speaker renowned for transforming the publishing journey of aspiring authors. She was honored with the Global Fame Award 2022 as the “Best Book Coach, Author, and Speaker” for her innovative approach to helping writers publish books without financial investment. A former software engineer, she transitioned from a successful 12-year corporate career to pursue her passion for storytelling and mentoring. Sweta has authored 17 books, including Change-makers, whose foreword was written by Bollywood actor Taapsee Pannu and launched by luminaries like Javed Akhtar and Nandita Das. Through her “90-day author launchpad” workshops, Sweta has empowered hundreds of writers to craft and self-publish impactful stories. Her work challenges traditional publishing norms, making writing accessible to everyone.Date: 14th December 2024 Venue: Podar International SchoolOrganised by Aahaan Shekhar, Nami Sanghani, Sargam Bijoor & Assad Khatri Sweta Samota is an award-winning book coach, bestselling author, and motivational speaker renowned for transforming the publishing journey of aspiring authors. She was honored with the Global Fame Award 2022 as the “Best Book Coach, Author, and Speaker” for her innovative approach to helping writers publish books without financial investment. A former software engineer, she transitioned from a successful 12-year corporate career to pursue her passion for storytelling and mentoring.Sweta has authored 11 books, including Changemakers, whose foreword was written by Bollywood actor Taapsee Pannu and launched by luminaries like Javed Akhtar and Nandita Das. Through her “Most Trusted Author” workshops, Sweta has empowered hundreds of writers to craft and self-publish impactful stories.A dynamic speaker and entrepreneur, Sweta’s mission is to democratize the publishing process, inspire creativity, and leave a lasting impact on the literary world. 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

Cornelia Hersland invites us to try out some anthropological participant observation techniques to let us experience the link between the observant mind and flow theory. Cornelia Hersland is a selfemployed social anthropologist, artist and DJ working to develop innovative qualitative methodologies that bridge art and anthropology through creative projects. 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

Avika Jain in her talk explores the dual nature of social media, highlighting its potential as a tool for connection, education, and business while warning of its addictive and isolating effects. It emphasizes the importance of balance, advocating for digital detox, and meaningful interactions with loved ones. The speaker underscores the need for mindful use, leveraging social media's benefits without succumbing to its pitfalls, and encourages self-awareness and purposeful engagement to foster healthier habits in the digital age. Avika Jain, is a prodigious girl, international speaker, theme dancer, storyteller, incredible orator, and Guinness World Record Holder, with a mind as sharp as a diamond and an intellect that defies the confines of her age. Avika Jain, with her precocious intellect and insatiable thirst for knowledge, embodies the very essence of genius. She participates actively in keynote speaking, dancing, singing, rangoli making, and drawing competitions. She has been part of multiple summits like International Student Exchange Programs, Global Youth Conference, Knowledge Camps, Pet Festivals, and Youth Ambassadorships. 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