What does it mean to truly exist? Are the choices we make really ours, or are we conditioned by culture, society, and circumstance? In this talk, I explore the tension between inherited identity and authentic selfhood. From the invisible forces shaping our behaviour to the subtle manipulations that guide our thoughts, I challenge the audience to question everything they take for granted. By daring to be fully present and free, we can awaken to a life of curiosity, creativity, and authentic emergence becoming, in essence, the 9th Symphony of our own existence. I am a psychotherapist who graduated from California State University, Fullerton. As well as running my own private practice, I have worked with UN Women and staged a show about gender equality. I have also produced a TV show on self-development and am a published writer. 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

Why does Gen Z laugh at tragedy? From memes about pandemics to TikToks about depression, their humor often shocks older generations. But behind the irony and absurdity lies something deeper: survival. This talk explores how dark humor, irony, and memes function as coping mechanisms in an age of constant crisis revealing that behind every laugh is fear, grief, and resilience. Zeynep Küçükmustafa is a 9th grade student at Üsküdar American Academy in Istanbul, where she is deeply involved in academic and extracurricular activities. She currently serves as the president of the World Scholars Cup club and has represented her school in various international competitions. Zeynep is passionate about social issues and is actively engaged in projects like Econofem, which promotes economic literacy in Turkey. She is the new treasurer of the Student Council and also an advocate for marginalized voices through her involvement as the liaison manager in Turkey’s Unheard Voices. In addition, Zeynep participates in the MUN club, bettering her leadership and diplomacy skills while working on global issues. Through these efforts, she demonstrates her commitment to creating positive change and making her voice heard. 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

The nature of careers has changed since the 20th century. Today, technical skills are no longer sufficient. In light of this observation, Jean-Baptiste Morin offers a simple solution for finding a job that suits us. Jean Baptiste is an engineer (ENSTA Brest) and PhD student in career studies at UCO Angers. His professional career began internationally with six years of experience in Asia as Career Manager at ESSEC in Singapore, initiator of responsible innovation projects at a university in Indonesia, and consultant in innovation financing. These experiences have given Jean Baptiste a strong understanding of the business world, in-depth knowledge of the challenges facing higher education, and a keen awareness of innovation. Back in France, Jean Baptiste created the BeHave® model, the result of these years of experience, which gave him a clear goal: to equip students with everything they need to tackle their professional lives. Two educational innovation awards later, with more than 7,000 students supported, Jean Baptiste continues to accelerate the rollout of BeHave today. 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

In her talk, Shireen explores how collective dreams and visionary leadership can spark transformation, reminding us that resilience and purpose shape the future we dare to imagine. She talks about dedicating her life to empowering communities, amplifying unheard voices, and inspiring change through courage and compassion. Shireen Gheba Najib is an activist, mentor, and cancer survivor whose journey embodies resilience and hope. She has dedicated her life to empowering communities, amplifying unheard voices, and inspiring change through courage and compassion. 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

Mehmet Metin Okur“Dünya, arama dünyasıdır.” Mehmet Metin Okur, başarının ve anlamın, önce ne aradığımızı bilmekle başladığını söylüyor. İnsan, ne aradığını bilmediğinde bulduğu şeyin değerini de anlayamaz.Türkiye’nin sahip olduğu kültürel zenginliğin farkında olmanın altını çiziyor. Ona göre, elimizdeki değerleri fark edip geliştirebildiğimiz ölçüde bunları dünyaya sunabiliriz. Bu farkındalık, hem bireysel hem toplumsal anlamda zenginleşmenin anahtarıdır.Başarıya giden yolda asıl odak noktasının ürün değil, ürünün dokunduğu yer olduğunu vurguluyor. Yani bir ürünün hikâyesi, dokunduğu hayatlar, değiştirdiği alışkanlıklar ve yarattığı değer, kendi varlığından çok daha kıymetlidir.Mesajı net: Aradığınızı bilin, kültürel mirasınızı tanıyın, farkındalıkla hareket edin. Zenginlik; cebinizde değil, bakış açınızda başlar. Mehmet Metin Okur is a visionary entrepreneur and businessperson who has pioneered significant innovations in the world of e-commerce and founded several successful companies. He is the founder and CEO of Sefamerve.com, one of the most well-known platforms in the modest fashion industry.Mehmet Metin Okur has extensive experience in the business world and currently manages nine different companies. In the past, he has established notable collaborations with global giants such as Facebook and Google. His role in managing Facebook’s payment system across 14 countries and the recognition of WhatsApp-based payment systems as a “case study” by Facebook and Mastercard are clear indicators of his expertise in the digital field.He has held executive-level positions at leading organizations such as Payby.me, Doğan Media Group, and Show TV, gaining extensive management experience.Okur has also attracted attention through his work in this area and has taught AI courses at Next Academy. 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

Dr. Firasat explores how true potential often emerges in moments of struggle - when life forces us to confront limitations, challenge narratives, and find strength we never knew we had. Drawing from both personal experiences and professional milestones, she inspires us to see challenges not as barriers but as catalysts for growth. Her message is clear and powerful: no matter the circumstances, every individual holds within them the capacity to rise, to create impact, and to live with purpose. Dr. Firasat Jabeen is a Fulbright Scholar and academic leader who continues to inspire through her strength and scholarship. As the Head of the Department of Mass Communication, she has dedicated her career to shaping young minds, advancing research, and fostering critical dialogue in media and society. Her journey reflects not only academic excellence but also a powerful story of perseverance, courage, and unlocking human potential against all odds. 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