NUR-SULTAN – “Under One Sun,” the TEDx conference held Sept. 15 in the capital, focused on ideas that help overcome differences.
Photo credit: TEDxAstana Facebook page.
“It was chosen as a guideline for the search for ideas, the unifying power of which will exceed the influence of our disputes about differences,” Aliya Sandybayeva, one of the event organisers, told tengrinews.kz.
This year’s conference gathered ideas that transform conventions about the impact of progress on the environment and the economy, examined social and cultural phenomena that affect the way of life and determine our future and explored possibilities of modern innovations and technologies to solve the most pressing problems of our time.
The event has gathered experts, bloggers, comedians, artists and other speakers sharing their expertise and experience. Eurasian Cultural Alliance curator Olga Veselova spoke about the importance of democratising public places.
“A high school physics teacher of mine used to say ‘the simpler, the better,’ and only over the years have I started to understand the true meaning of this phrase. Urban space does not tolerate pathos, arrogance and elitism. After all, the most convenient urban environment is an environment where everyone feels comfortable, regardless of gender, age, special physical needs or material capabilities,” she said.
Comedian Veronika Kim talked about what stand-up comedy can bring to one’s life. She noted the confidence boost it provided and put it in the context of the confidence gender gap.
Veronika Kim. Photo credit: TEDxAstana Facebook page
“I would like for us to stop being afraid of the opinions of others, so that each of us has the opportunity to do what he/she wants without thinking what others will say about us. Especially when you are a girl and a layer of stereotypes and expectations from others is falling upon you. Do not be afraid to do what others did not do before you,” she said.
Religious Studies Centres Association director Yulia Denissenko shared her experiences and observations working with religious extremists.
“Most of the people who fell into the network of recruiters just wanted to believe in a miracle, a good end which is coming after past misfortunes. Is there a recipe for fighting violent extremism? Today I will reveal to you one secret ingredient – it is in your heart, it is called love, compassion, acceptance, a desire to help,” she said.
Yuliya Denissenko. Photo credit: TEDxAstana Facebook page.
TEDx Astana is held under a special license from the TED Foundation. The organisers and participants look for unique ideas in Kazakhstan for further distribution around the world. The first TEDx conference in Kazakhstan and the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) took place in 2010 in Almaty. TEDx Astana has been held since 2015.
