TEDxChange: the future we make

Live viewing party of TEDxChange in Amsterdam followed by a life changing dinner party

On September 20, to coincide with the United Nations summit on the Millennium Development Goals, there will be a global event organized by TED and the Gates Foundation.
In Amsterdam, a remarkable group of individuals will join the live video broadcast from the Paley Center in New York and after participate in a local event. This will be an interactive dinner with 8 people who, with their businesses or projects, are working towards achieving the MDGs in their country. They will share their desires and passions, their ideas and achievements, and then ask for support. The event will be a massive call-to-action to back these people and their businesses. Money will not be requested. The currency at this event will be skills, knowledge and time.

The handpicked guest list to this event will consist of one hundred people who are chosen on account of their ability to effect change and bring unrivalled skills to the table.

Part 1: Listening
This extraordinary event will bring together people who want to be inspired; who are ready to make a difference – young innovators, and established, successful businessmen alike.
Many emerging countries are growing faster than ever with young, dynamic local business-people building up their economies and creating jobs. The event will focus on the energy, positivity and creativity around change in developing countries. There will be inspiring stories and triumphant tales from people who are making a difference.
In 3 minute mini-talks, 8 guest speakers will lay out what their businesses needs to grow. This could be help with business modeling, building a website, getting in touch with universities, setting up a communications plan, accessing an effective international network or securing an introduction to relevant stakeholders – anything is possible.

Part 2: Participating
After hearing these requests, the guests will have an opportunity to dine, in groups of 10 with the speaker they were most inspired by, or feel they can most contribute to. The meal will be an opportunity to hear more and actively match requirements with skills. By the end of the evening, guests will leave having made a pledge of action, knowing their next steps and that they have already made a positive difference. And, of course, in true TEDx style there will be plenty of opportunity to meet fellow TEDsters, be entertained and on this special occasion, dine on delicious food.

Quote from the organizers:

“Instead of talking about what’s not working, our team decided to focus on the people who are in fact bringing the MDG’s closer. During the Amsterdam part of TEDxChange we are focusing on the true beneficiaries and we’re looking for ways to stimulate the exchange of ideas, knowledge and business. Optimism comes from people, not from statistics.”

When and Where?
TEDxChange takes place on Monday 20 September 2010 at Dialogues House in Amsterdam Zuid-Oost.