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).

Al-Hakeem Hall
University of Baghdad, Jadiryah
Baghdad, Baghdād, 10069
Iraq

Ahmed Tabaqchali

Head of Iraq at Asia Frontier Capital

Ahmed Tabaqchali is a prominent capital markets professional with over 25 years of experience in the United States and the MENA region. He currently serves as the Chief Strategist of the AFC Iraq Fund, which focuses on long-term capital investment strategies in Iraq. Tabaqchali is also a nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council's Middle East Programs and holds a position at the London School of Economics (LSE) Middle East Centre. His expertise encompasses economic analysis and investment strategies, particularly related to the Iraqi economy. Tabaqchali has contributed to discussions on various economic reforms and challenges facing Iraq, including issues surrounding the country's budget process and reliance on oil revenues. He has been involved in academic and policy discussions aimed at addressing the structural problems within the Iraqi economy, advocating for reforms to enhance the private sector and improve infrastructure.

Farrah Abo Al timan

Education Activist

Farah Abu Al-Taman is an Iraqi writer and academic born in 1986 in Baghdad. She graduated from the Department of Translation at Al-Mustansiriyah University. Known for her contributions to Iraqi literature, she has authored several works, including "Memoirs of a Cup", "Typographical Error", and "Strings". Her book "365 Days with Rumi", available in both Arabic and English, explores themes of self-discovery, love, and wisdom, drawing inspiration from the teachings of Jalal al-Din Rumi. Farah Abu Al-Taman is noted for her efforts in promoting education, particularly focusing on its modern relevance and accessibility. Her activism emphasizes fostering education systems that prepare students for future challenges, blending traditional and contemporary methodologies. She advocates for bilingual education and elevates the Arabic language as a vital tool for critical thinking and cultural identity.

Furat Al-Najjar

Professor

**Furat** is a distinguished professor at the University of Baghdad who has significantly impacted his students' academic and professional trajectories. Renowned for fostering innovation and active participation, he has enabled numerous student-led activities and research projects that have gained widespread recognition. Under Furat’s mentorship, many of his students have achieved remarkable accomplishments, including earning patents, receiving official letters of appreciation, and securing prominent roles in major international organizations. His commitment to nurturing talent and promoting academic excellence has solidified his reputation as a key figure in advancing education and professional growth in Iraq. For more details on Furat’s contributions or the achievements of his students, specific case studies or university publications could offer further insights.

Moe Alkhafaji

Founder of Pure Platform

Moe Alkhafaji is an Iraqi American entrepreneur and technology expert, currently serving as the Founder and CEO of Pure Platform, a company he established in January 2019. Pure Platform aims to create a digital ecosystem for cash transactions, particularly in cash-based economies like Iraq, where it seeks to facilitate online business without reliance on traditional financial institutions. Alkhafaji emigrated from Iraq in 1995 and arrived in the United States in 1997. He holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in computer science and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in the same field at the University of Chicago. His academic and research interests include high-performance computing and machine learning, particularly in applications related to computational bioinformatics. Before founding Pure Platform, Alkhafaji held significant roles in various companies, including Chief Information Officer at Discovery Health Partners and Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer at CancerIQ, Inc.

Obay Dhiaa

Regional Manager of FlyDubai

**Obay Dhiaa** is a recent graduate of the College of Languages at the University of Baghdad. Despite his young age, he rapidly ascended to notable leadership positions. At just 23, Obay represented Iraq on the international stage in its debut participation at the **Arabian Travel Market** held in Dubai. This milestone highlighted Iraq's potential in global tourism and underscored Obay's role as a dynamic ambassador for the nation. Following his success in the tourism sector, Obay took on the role of managing FlyDubai's Baghdad office, showcasing his leadership and strategic acumen in the aviation and travel industry. His career exemplifies ambition, adaptability, and a commitment to elevating Iraq's profile in international markets, making him a role model for young professionals in the region.

Rabie Hanna

Chief Medical Officer at Warith International Cancer Institute

Rabi Hanna, MD is a pediatric hematologist-oncologist and the director of the Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation program at Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital. He specializes in treating children with leukemia, lymphoma, and solid tumors that require hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Dr. Hanna earned his medical degree from Aleppo University Faculty of Medicine in Syria. He completed his pediatric residency at Duke University Medical Center and his pediatric hematology-oncology fellowship at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and Seattle Children's Hospital. His research interests include identifying genetic factors that affect outcomes after bone marrow transplantation from unrelated donors. He is also exploring the use of hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells in autoimmune and degenerative disorders.