Theme: Creating Opportunities

Equal opportunities, equal rights. Sharing is caring. Solidarity between generations. The future is near. Sounds great, right? Dutch children are the most happy in the world according to the United Nations. But why do so many young people struggle in our rich and open society? This premiere of TEDxYouth@Utrecht focusses on creating opportunities for young people and the chances that we have to make and take ourselves.

Jaarbeurs
Jaarbeursplein 6
Utrecht, Utrecht, 3521AL
Netherlands

Alexander Wijninga

Social media entrepreneur

Anne Ardon

Twitter Feminist

Caesar Bast

Student, Chairman Dutch National Youth Council

Hugo Ward

Social engaged entrepreneur

Justine Van de Beek

Twitter Feminist

Karim Shalhoub

Aspiring film director + Syrian refugee

After five years living in the Syrian war, Karim fled through Europe to the Netherlands in 2016. There he studies to be a professional filmmaker dreaming of ways to show the real Syria and Damsacus region he knows and loves to the rest of the world.

Lammart Kamphuis

Philosopher

Linda Jonk

Primary education teacher

Robin Van Soolingen

Former karate world champion turned personal growth coach

As a young boy Robin turned out to be a karate champion. Not because he was desperate to achieve this goal, but because he was desperately trying not to lose. After winning his first matches he learned that through fighting he was able to achieve positive acknowledgement from his peers, friends and grown ups. His fighter spirit worked out well in sports, but didn't help him in his professional life outside of the dojo. After failing in several jobs and not feeling at ease in a formal workplace, he decided to do things he loved and knew best. Now he is a succesful coach of both youth and professionals which he confronts with the lessons he had to learn for himself - helping them with personal growth through fighting sports.

Rube Van Tienen

Public speaking coach

Toufic El-Rjula

Social tech activist