In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Naryn Regional Academic Musical Drama Theater named after Muratbek Ryskulov
Lenin
Naryn, Naryn, 722900
Kyrgyzstan

Aichurek Nuralieva

Head of HR at Coca-Cola Icecek in Kazakhstan

Aichurek Nuralieva is a renowned HR leader, career consultant, author, and speaker with over 12 years of experience in international organizations. Currently Head of HR at Coca-Cola Icecek Kazakhstan, she previously held roles at Coca-Cola Icecek Kyrgyzstan and JTI Uzbekistan. Recognized as “Best HR Director” at The Best Business Awards for her "Culture of Curiosity" project, she is also the author of HR Revolution: How to Become a Market Leader through HR Management. As one of Kyrgyzstan’s first certified career coaches, Aichurek promotes career planning through consultations, speeches, and her IG blog, appearing in media like Forbes and CEO World Magazine. Her expertise is showcased in peer-reviewed journals, including Economics and Entrepreneurship and international publications like IJARESM. A reviewer for Current Research, she also served as a jury member for the Business Leaders of Central Asia awards, influencing the region's transformative business practices.

Alexey Lysogorov

Head of the Graphic Design department at Compass College

Graphic Designer | Art Director | Design Educator With 30 years of experience in the graphic design industry, Alexey Lysogorov is a seasoned art director and graphic design expert, specializing in logo and identity creation, rebranding, and packaging design. As the Head of the Graphic Design Department at Compass College, he has shaped the next generation of designers through his role as a design teacher. Alexey has earned over 20 professional awards at prestigious international festivals and design competitions, solidifying his reputation as a leading creative force in the industry. He is also the author of numerous logos for prominent brands in Kyrgyzstan, showcasing his expertise and influence in shaping the visual identities of key businesses.

Charles Inwani

Deputy Country Director, World Food Programme,

Charles Inwani is a village boy from Kenya that has invested 3 decades of his life serving humanity, through humanitarian and development organizations, in many countries of the world. His passion is life generally, and people particularly! He strongly believes that we can only give to others what we have, what we are. We must hence invest in the things we seek in people! Only then will we have a world we are all proud of!

Ernest Abdyzhaparov

Movie Director

Ernest Almasbekovich Abdyzhaparov, born on February 27, 1961, in Frunze (now Bishkek), is a well-known Kyrgyz filmmaker, screenwriter, and producer. He graduated in 1983 from the Pedagogical Institute, specializing in Russian language and literature, and initially worked as a schoolteacher. In 1988, he became the director of the "Korogoch" newsreel and later joined "Kyrgyzfilm" as an editor in 1992. He founded the "Umay" Youth Creative Fund in 1993 and launched his own studio in 1999. Abdyzhaparov has also held key positions, including Secretary of the Kyrgyz Cinematographers’ Union (1999–2001) and Chief Editor at "Kyrgyzfilm" (2001–2002). Since 2008, he has been leading annual masterclasses, training many aspiring filmmakers. With 14 feature films, 3 documentaries, 10 short films, and 1 TV series to his name, Abdyzhaparov has won over 60 awards at major international film festivals.

Himat Sulaimonov

Cardiologist and functional diagnostic physician at Moscow Public Diagnostic Centre #3

Dr. Himat Sulaimonov is a highly experienced cardiologist and functional diagnostic physician, currently serving at Moscow Public Diagnostic Centre #3. He graduated from secondary school with a gold medal and completed his PhD at the Bakoulev Center for Cardiovascular Surgery in Moscow, Russia. With over 20 years in the medical field, he has held leadership roles, including Head of the Cardiology Department at Elektrostal Governmental Hospital, Moscow Oblast. He also gained international experience as Hospital Manager at Barentsburg Mine Hospital in Norway and served as Medical Director of the Aga Khan Medical Centre in Khorog, Tajikistan. Fluent in five languages, he is a published author of over 10 medical research articles and 5 stories, and he actively volunteers in his community. His interests include poetry, philosophy, and history, reflecting his holistic approach to medicine and life.

Jenny Jenish Kyzy

Venture Partner

Jenny Jenish Kyzy (Ensi Tszie) is a leader in venture capital and impact investing, driven by the belief that "innovation thrives when diverse voices lead." Her journey spans education in China, impactful work in Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia, and investment efforts in Silicon Valley, fostering global connections. Recognized as a "Community Champion" by the World Economic Forum and a "Gender Champion" by UNDP Kyrgyzstan, she launched Kyrgyzstan's largest STEM4ALL community and chaired the CAMCA Regional Network. With over a decade of community service, she mentors young leaders in social entrepreneurship and leadership. Jenny holds degrees from Columbia University and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. Fluent in English, Chinese, Russian, and Kyrgyz, she bridges cultures, champions diverse founders, and advocates for women in STEM, connecting startups to Silicon Valley’s tech ecosystem.

Khizer Zakir

Geospatial Data Scientist

Khizer Zakir is a Geospatial Data Scientist by practice, with a passion for exploring the intersection of data, geography, Earth Observation, remote sensing, and human understanding. Having recently completed an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Programme, Khizer is currently contributing to a research project with the University of Oxford focusing on identifying and mapping air pollution assets and emissions. Beyond academia and research, Khizer enjoys crafting insightful maps, diving into sports, and experimenting with flavors in the kitchen. A lover of philosophy and profound discussions, Khizer seeks wisdom in both data patterns and life's mysteries. In Khizer’s own words: "With maps, I navigate the earth; with thoughts, I navigate the soul— In both, I find beauty and strive to make them whole."

Nuraiym Ryskulova

Branding and Communications Manager at Accelerate Prosperity

A graduate specialist in Journalism and PR with over 15 years of experience. Holds an MBA and an international coaching certification. Former TV host of the Central Asian TV program on innovation and IT technologies "Matrix" (Internews) and the morning TV show "UtroLive." Co-organizer of events such as TEDxYouthBishkek, JashtarCamp, BarCamp, and several events at the first Central Asian creative hub. Experience as a media consultant at UNICEF, Internews, as well as IWPR, MBulak, I-Media, and others. Has taken the Accelerate Prosperity brand to a new level since 2021.

Shamima Oshurbekova

Resource Officer, Ismaili Cultural Association (Paris, France)

Shamima Oshurbekova, an international development expert and advocate for gender equality, holds an MSc in International Development from Sciences Po Paris (Gender Studies, Project Management) and an MA in Politics and Security from the OSCE Academy in Bishkek. As a Changemaker in the "AGENCY: Vote With Her" project, she promotes migrant women’s political participation. Currently a Resource Officer for the Ismaili Cultural Association in Paris, she focuses on refugee integration in France. Her experience includes a Junior Policy Analyst internship at the OECD, analyzing economic policies in Central Asia, and roles at UNFPA, the Aga Khan Foundation, and Geres, where she led communications, advocacy campaigns, and project management. Fluent in four languages, Shamima brings a global perspective to her work, with deep roots in her hometown of Khorog, Tajikistan.