The historic Roman Theatre in downtown Amman hosted the 2025 edition of TEDxAmman under the theme The Power of Why. The event brought together a dynamic gathering of thinkers, innovators, and changemakers from around the world.

Held under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan, Founder and Chairman of Princess Sumaya University for Technology (PSUT), the conference was officially opened on her behalf by His Excellency Eng. Sami Smeirat, Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship and former member of the PSUT Board of Trustees. The opening ceremony was attended by His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al Momani, Minister of Government Communications, Professor Wejdan Abu Elhaija, President of PSUT, and a distinguished audience of academics, youth leaders, and cultural figures, lending the event both an official and celebratory character.

In a special recorded address, Her Royal Highness Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan emphasised the power of science, dialogue, and creativity as vital foundations for building a more peaceful and humane future. She reflected on the extraordinary journey of TEDxAmman, which began as a small, student-led initiative at PSUT and has since evolved into one of the largest TEDx platforms worldwide, connecting Jordanian creativity with global ideas. Her Royal Highness also expressed solidarity with communities across the region facing hardship, stressing that ideas must ultimately serve humanity and uphold the values of justice, compassion, and peace.

This year’s TEDxAmman attracted more than 4,000 participants from Jordan and abroad, including business leaders, innovators, artists, technologists, scientists, and members of the international TED team. The programme featured interactive workshops, thought-provoking panels, and inspiring talks that celebrated Jordanian and Arab success stories. Networking opportunities encouraged participants to exchange ideas and forge collaborations, further fuelling the spirit of innovation.

The choice of the Roman Theatre as the venue provided a striking backdrop, blending Amman’s ancient heritage with forward-looking conversations about the future. The historic site was illuminated by a spectacular display of light and colour, symbolising the fusion of Jordan’s past with its bold vision for tomorrow. The evening also featured performances by the iconic Jordanian band Autostrad and a renowned Jordanian violinist, reflecting the depth and diversity of the nation’s cultural spirit.

Significantly, TEDxAmman 2025 formed part of the TEDx Global Idea Search, marking the first time ever in Jordan and the Arab world that TED Global has partnered directly with a TEDx community. This placed Amman among only eight communities worldwide selected for this prestigious collaboration, underscoring the Kingdom’s growing role as a hub for dialogue, innovation, and cultural exchange.

As part of this global partnership, ten regional speakers were selected and coached by the TED Global team, each presenting a six-minute talk for the chance to appear on the main stage at TED 2026 in Vancouver, Canada. This once-in-a-generation opportunity gave regional voices a platform to share their ideas with the world.

The TED Global leadership team, including Kelly Stoetzel, Head of TED Conferences, and Will Daves, Director of the TEDx Programme, travelled to Amman to participate in this landmark event, highlighting its international importance and the trust placed in Jordan to represent the region.

The event was made possible through the vision and dedication of Ahmad Al Nazer, Managing Director of TEDxAmman, and Tareq Sarayji, Executive Director, both proud graduates of PSUT. Together with their talented organising team, they have built a movement that continues to inspire young people and position Jordan as a centre for creativity, innovation, and dialogue.

TEDxAmman remains deeply connected to its roots at Princess Sumaya University for Technology, with more than half of its organising team composed of PSUT students and graduates. Their creativity, dedication, and collaborative spirit have been central to the event’s success and to Jordan’s growing recognition as a leader in innovation and education.

The event concluded with a collective call to invest in youth potential, empower creative communities, and support local and regional initiatives that bring innovative ideas to the world.

TEDxAmman is organised under licence from the global TED organisation and managed entirely by a dedicated local volunteer team, reaffirming the city’s role as a platform for sharing ideas worth spreading.