TED, a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading, has opened its TEDGlobal 2017 Conference in Arusha, Tanzania.
Themed “Builders. Truth-tellers. Catalysts.,” the event will host 700 attendees at the Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge for a program of 45+ speakers and performers sharing ideas in TED’s signature format of short, powerful talks – no longer than 18 minutes.
The four-day event will also feature presentations and performances from 27 TED Fellows, including Ugandans Robert Hakiza, the co-founder of one of the best-known refugee-run organizations in Kampala – YARID and Judith Adong, the artistic director of Silent Voices Uganda – a not-for-profit performing arts organization.
This conference marks TED’s first return to Africa since the memorable TEDGlobal 2007 Conference held at the same location.
“Our event here a decade ago led to so many meaningful ideas, connections and collaborations,” said head of TED Chris Anderson. “Now, we have a chance to reignite those sparks. The ideas emerging from Africa have the potential to create transformative impact, not just here on the continent, but worldwide.”
“This gathering couldn’t come a moment too soon,” said TEDGlobal co-curator Emeka Okafor. “Africa has experienced spectacular economic, demographic and creative growth, but both opportunity and danger are rising at an exponential rate. Our conference will gather the idea catalysts, problem-solvers and change-makers already hard at work here charting Africa’s own path to modernity.”
The speakers and performers selected for TEDGlobal 2017 range from entrepreneurs and activists to film curators, historians and philosophers, all expected to offer fresh, unique perspectives and solutions on a global level.
Key speakers will also include Presidents Ameena Gurib-Fakim of Mauritius and Paul Kagame of Rwanda.
A number of exciting brands and companies have partnered with TEDGlobal 2017 to help share ideas and foster an atmosphere of curiosity and discovery. Partners include: The Africa Center, Boston Consulting Group, Brightline Initiative, Gilead Sciences, Logitech, Omidyar Network, Sandstorm Kenya, Tommy Hilfiger, Westpac Banking Group and Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.
