2021 speakers
TAMANNA KHAN
Hi, I’m Tamanna! I am a spoken word poet based in Abu Dhabi just trying to make sense of our, at times, questionable reality. My talk will cover my exploration of identity and language as an Indian Muslim woman. I will be exploring how shaving my hair was a culmination of my personal experiences living outside the ‘norm’. I believe humans are remarkable people- each filled with unique creativity bound to various mediums. I implore you to retain ownership of the creative activities you take part in and to share your story no matter it’s popularity or proximity to the ‘norm’.
@TAMANNA.AAISA
RIYA JAHANGIR
Hi! I’m Riya, a senior student with a passion for making a change. I believe equality and inclusivity are the cornerstones of humanity, and that all individuals have the right to these two things. My talk covers the importance of inclusive education and proper treatment of children with learning disabilities to make both school and home environments equally welcoming to all. I hope to inspire other youth around the world to amplify the voices of those who have been silenced and make a positive contribution to their community.
@RIYAJAHANGIR
MUHAMMAD ALI
My name is Muhammad Ali, and I am senior in high school fascinated with the study of the profound. I believe that understanding the methods in which humanity defines progress by looking at our history through different lenses allows us to gain a deeper understanding about the nature of ourselves, the (ab)normality of existence, and our relationship with the rest of the universe. I hope to share that understanding through my talks, and hopefully allow aspiring philosophers to want seek knowledge and discuss the nature of reality, in a way that will allow themselves to see the history of us in a nuanced perspective, and hopefully learn more about themselves in the process.
Email: muhammadhsnali2003@gmail.com
EMAIL: MUHAMMADHSNALI2003@GMAIL.COM
MINAL IFTIKAR
Hi! I'm Minal, a junior in high school. I wish I could say that I have just one passion, but they're always changing. You can find me trying to learn piano one second and being a master chef the next! [Minus the master part, I'm not really there yet :)] But if it's one thing I've always stuck to, it's individualism; My experiences have taught me that there is a big difference between who you are and what you are. I believe that much of the discriminatory issues we all face on a global level can improve if we collectively begin to see people beyond their social labels or their "single story" that comes along with them due to our own personal biases. My talk explores how the concept of the "single story" can eradicate an individual's identity. I hope that my talk will not only inspire you to listen to the stories of the unheard, but also give you the courage and strength to tell yours.
@I.AM.MINAL
GUEST SPEAKER
FAISAL NAWAZ
As a 5th medical student at Mohammed Bin Rashid University (MBRU) in Dubai, I am humbled to have experienced an exciting journey across different fields of life. After moving to Dubai in 2016 for Medical school, it wasn't long before I saw the tradition of being part of a pre-defined lifestyle. The expectations of a medical student were sworn by over 100 years of graduating doctors. As dynamic as this field can be, it was challenging to adjust, adapt and acquire this new normality. It took me a few more years to realize that "normal" isn't what you see but what you live, create, and identify for your own wellbeing. By elaborating on my experiences in the fields of medicine, engineering, business, research, technology, social media, and mental health, I hope to make the audience identify their self-perception of normality.