Past TEDx event

TEDxKirkuk

Took placeOctober 4, 2025
LocationKirkuk, At Ta'mīm, Iraq
FormatStandard
Organizing a TEDx event in Kirkuk would be a groundbreaking opportunity to showcase the city’s diverse voices, ideas, and innovations. As a city rich in history and cultural heritage, Kirkuk has untapped potential for intellectual discourse and creative solutions to local and global challenges. A TEDx event could bring together thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers to share inspiring stories and spark meaningful discussions. It would also provide a platform for young talents to express their visions for the future, fostering a spirit of collaboration and progress. Despite potential logistical and linguistic challenges, a well-planned TEDx in Kirkuk could bridge communities, attract global attention, and inspire positive change in the region.

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

  • Atila Al-Agha

    media professional

    He will share his vision and experience to be a source of inspiration for everyone. Media professional and social influencer Currently working at Al-Sharqiya Channel / Kirkuk Office

  • Azad Qasim

    Speaker

    Azad Qasim is a marketing strategist and academic with around 18 years of experience in marketing and strategic management. He holds advanced degrees in economics, strategic management, and marketing, and is known for exploring how marketing influences consumer behavior, culture, and society. Through his talks, he explains complex marketing concepts using real-world examples that show how branding and communication can shape habits, beliefs, and even entire cultural traditions.

  • Chro Raafat

    Medical student and Founder of “Azmoon Group” and “Azmoon Academy

    Raafat Ahmed Medical student and Founder of “Azmoon Group” and “Azmoon Academy “— educational initiatives dedicated to empowering young people through learning, training , and career opportunities.

  • Dena Nail

    Speaker

    Dena Nail is a senior bacteriology specialist and assistant consultant at a children’s hospital laboratory in Iraq. Alongside her medical career, she has dedicated over 20 years to humanitarian and volunteer work within the Chaldean Church in Kirkuk and Sulaymaniyah. She leads and supports charitable healthcare initiatives, including a free clinic serving people of all backgrounds and a program for individuals with special needs. Known for her compassion and commitment to service, she continues to promote dignity, inclusion, and hope through both her professional and community work.

  • Hazhar Salam

    Speaker

    A medical professional and speaker focused on brain science, human behavior, and addiction. Through his talks, he simplifies complex neuroscience concepts and connects them to everyday life, helping audiences understand habits, self-control, and the impact of modern challenges like social media addiction on individuals and society.

  • Iman Hussein

    Speaker

    Iman Hussein is an Iraqi engineer and youth empowerment advocate from Kirkuk. Growing up in a multicultural environment, she developed a strong interest in education, volunteering, and creating opportunities for young people. Her journey has been shaped by persistence and resilience, including being repeatedly rejected eight times before finally being accepted into an international cultural exchange program in the United States, where she experienced a transformative period of personal and professional growth, including time in Vermont. Through her experiences abroad and at home, Iman became passionate about helping young people in Iraq access fully funded international programs and volunteering opportunities that can change their lives. She actively works on guiding students and professionals to apply for scholarships, exchange programs, and development initiatives, believing that rejection is not failure but part of the path toward success.

  • Mohammad Kakarash

    Speaker

    A passionate speaker and entrepreneur from Kirkuk, dedicated to empowering youth through business, branding, and self-development. With years of experience building projects and connecting communities, he focuses on inspiring young people to recognize their potential, embrace their identity, and create meaningful impact in their city and beyond.

  • Nabaz Kirkuki

    Speaker

    A journalist and humanitarian activist from Kirkuk, Iraq, who grew up facing severe hardship and early responsibility after losing parts of a stable childhood. Despite these challenges, he built a career in media and public service, working as a radio correspondent and reporting from critical security situations during times of conflict in Iraq. Alongside his journalism work, he founded and led volunteer initiatives focused on helping vulnerable families, supporting patients in need of medical treatment, and organizing large-scale community relief efforts. His work expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he played an active role in delivering oxygen supplies and emergency assistance to affected patients. He is also known for leading awareness campaigns on issues such as drug prevention, education support, and social unity in Kirkuk. Today, he continues to balance media work, humanitarian projects, and community service, dedicated to improving lives and strengthening his city.

  • Rasha Adnan

    Speaker

    A dedicated mother, speech and language therapist, and founder of the Al-Amal Center for Speech and Language Therapy in Kirkuk, she turned her personal journey with her deaf son into a mission to support children with hearing loss, speech delays, autism, and Down syndrome. Through innovative communication methods and years of study and practice, she has helped transform the lives of many children and families, empowering them to find their voice and potential.

  • Sami Sulaiman

    Director of Al-Tareeq Center and Library

    Mr. Sami Sulaiman Abdul Rahman. He will share his vision and experience to be a source of inspiration for everyone: Director of Al-Tareeq Center and Library Director of Kirkuk Office, MRDS Organization Founder of The Dreamers Theater Troupe Founder of Sami Show Community Founder of What 2 Do Community Playwright and Theater Director Human Rights Activist

  • Sara Helmi

    Speaker

    Sara Hilmi is an Iraqi psychiatrist and neuropsychiatry specialist who focuses on mental health, emotional wellbeing, and the psychological effects of modern lifestyle. She is known for her public talks on social media addiction, anxiety, depression, and body image issues, where she combines clinical experience with real patient stories. Through her work in a teaching hospital and clinical practice, she raises awareness about the importance of balanced digital habits and mental health care in today’s fast-changing world.

  • Wrya Mukryani

    Speaker

    Wrya is a personal development advocate and public speaker from Kirkuk, Iraq. After surviving a life-changing accident, he transformed his journey of recovery into a mission to inspire others. He is the founder of Breaking Boundaries Platform, an international initiative focused on awareness, growth, and global connection. Through his work, Wrya empowers individuals to overcome adversity, challenge negative thinking, and unlock their full potential.

Organizing team