The event marks the comeback of the TEDxJohannesburg's flagship salon format, last seen in 2018 and brought back by popular demand this year.

It allows for TEDx Johannesburg to bring together compatible partners on a topic of common purpose, to inspire others and use human stories to change the status quo, says TEDx. 

"TEDxJohannesburg believes in the power of ideas to change everything — people, places, the planet. The 17 SDGs are a global plea for those ideas to be made real. Our speakers are chosen for that and we are thrilled to host them all together on one day," says Kelo Kubu, TEDxJohannesburg licensee and curator.

According to TEDx, this affair will comprise four sessions and feature 17 champions of the SDGs, expert thinkers and change catalysts drawn from Johannesburg and the wider region. Each speaker will give a signature TEDx talk on a different SDG, all highlighting the gains made and the action required from all of us to make faster progress towards the communal goals.

Key Speakers include:

  • Miss SA 2020 and mental health champion Shudufhadzo Musida 
  • civil society activist Tessa Dooms
  • economist and public policy specialist Dr Miriam Altman
  • land artist James Delaney
  • minerals and energy consultant Linda Mabhena-Olagunju
  • water consultant Dr Ferrial Adam
  • circular design and fashion sustainability champion Jackie May
  • agricultural economist Wandile Sihlobo
  • (trans)gender activist Yaya Mavundla
  • education innovator Michelle Lissoos
  • climate action activist Adam Welz
  • start-up catalyst Bongani Sithole, and
  • a special contribution from Nirox Arts Foundation.

Nelson Muffuh, United Nations Southern Africa's regional coordinator, had the rare privilege and responsibility of helping draft the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with the 17 SDGs at its core, says TEDx. 

Muffuh will host a panel alongside:

  • CEO of Naspers, Phuthi Mahanyele-Debengwa
  • acting CEO of Nelson Mandela Foundation, Verne Harris, and
  • GIBS sustainability leader, Tanya dos Santos-Ford GIBS. 

The event says that it promises to deliver the quintessential TEDxJohannesburg experience — a blend of concise, fast-paced talks infused with profound wisdom, interspersed with moments of levity and underpinned by a foundation of innovation. 

"We promise to challenge your mind and tackle themes at the heart of our very survival," concludes Kubu. "We have been running TEDxJohannesburg events for 10 years now, and can think of no better way to celebrate this decade-long exploration of innovative and life-changing ideas."

For more information, visit www.tedxjohannesburg.com. You can also follow TEDxJohannesburg on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or on Instagram. 

*Image courtesy of contributor