About TEDxChange
On September 20, to coincide with the United Nations summit on the Millennium Development Goals, there was a global event organized by TED and the Gates Foundation.
The TEDxAmsterdam Community joined the live video broadcast from the Paley Center in New York and after participated in a local event. This was an interactive dinner with 8 people who, with their businesses or projects, are working towards achieving the MDGs in their country. They share their desires and passions, their ideas and achievements, and then asked for support. The event was a massive call-to-action to back these people and their businesses. Money will not be requested. The currency at this event are skills, knowledge and time.
The handpicked guest list to this event consists of one hundred people who where chosen on account of their ability to effect change and bring unrivaled skills to the table.
Part 1: Listening
This extraordinary event brought 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 focused on the energy, positivity and creativity around change in developing countries. There are inspiring stories and triumphant tales from people who are making a difference.
In 3 minute mini-talks, 8 guest speakers layed out what their businesses need 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 had the opportunity to dine, in groups of 12 with the speaker they were most inspired by, or feel they can most contribute to. The meal was an opportunity to hear more and actively match requirements with skills. By the end of the evening, guests left 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 was 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 took place on Monday 20 September 2010 at Dialogues House in Amsterdam Zuid-Oost, The Netherlands.
About TEDx
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TED has created a program called TEDx. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Our event is called TEDxChange, where x=independently organized TED event. At our TEDxChange event, TEDTalks video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including ours, are self-organized.
