Thursday, 4th December 2025

Riphah International University successfully hosted its first independently organized TEDx event — TEDxRiphah Intl U — on December 4, 2025, marking a milestone in the University’s commitment to fostering dialogue, innovation, and idea-driven leadership. Held under the theme “Ideas That Ignite Change,” the event brought together a diverse group of influential speakers who shared compelling insights, personal experiences, and thought-provoking perspectives with the audience.

The speaker lineup included prominent figures from business, academia, arts, media, healthcare, and public service:

• Zahid Latif Khan (Founder, ZLK Group)
  Watch: The Truth About Stock Market Through the Eyes of a Seasoned Broker
• Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan (Advisor/Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Tourism)
  Watch: Reimaging Pakistan through Tourism: Turning Natural Beauty into National Strength
• Wahaj Siraj (CEO, Nayatel)
• Kabeer Naqvi (Entrepreneur in Residence, Abhi Group)
  Watch: Reimagining Financial Inclusion: Banking the Unbanked in a Digital Age
• Dr. Najeeba Arif (Chairperson, Pakistan Academy of Letters)
  Watch: The Silent Crisis of Literature: What We Lose When We Stop Reading
• Dr. Shagufta Feroze (Director, RILM & Pioneer of Lifestyle Medicine in Pakistan)
  Watch: The Happiness Prescription: How Lifestyle Medicine Heals Mind, Body and Soul
• Riffat Shaheen (Sculptor)
  Watch: The Fine Arts
• Hira Nigar (HIV Expert)
  Watch: The Shadow Epidemic: Stigma and the Double Burden of HIV on Women
• Khurram Ellahi (Philosopher & Author)
  Watch: Iqbal & Mars
• Aaisha Yousaf (Broadcast Journalist)
  Watch: Language in the Age of AI and Social Media

Throughout the day, participants enjoyed a rich program featuring inspirational talks, interactive conversations, and networking sessions designed to encourage meaningful engagement. A special performance by Riphah student Sulaiman (BSAF-08) added an artistic touch to the event, while the Volunteer Recognition Ceremony highlighted the dedication of the organizing team who made the event possible.

The curated sessions addressed a wide spectrum of ideas—from financial inclusion, lifestyle medicine, and the role of fine arts to emerging technologies, tourism development, social stigma, national identity, and the future of language in the age of AI. Each talk reflected the overarching spirit of TEDx: spreading ideas that challenge perspectives and inspire constructive change.

TEDxRiphah Intl U received an overwhelmingly positive response from attendees, speakers, and guests, positioning it as a valuable new platform within the University for intellectual exchange and forward-thinking dialogue. The event reinforces Riphah International University’s ongoing commitment to innovation, leadership development, and creating spaces where transformative ideas can flourish.