Westminster International School holds first TEDx event in Islamabad

By: Idrees Abbasi

Westminster International School hosted its inaugural TEDx event on Saturday at its Bahria Campus, bringing together renowned speakers, performers and young participants in an engaging programme aimed at inspiring leadership, innovation and social responsibility among youth.

The event, held under the theme “Chain Reaction: Ideas in Motion,” focused on the power of ideas to spark meaningful change. The theme highlighted how individual actions and innovative thinking can create a ripple effect, leading to long-term transformation across social, economic and environmental spheres.

An impressive line-up of eight speakers addressed the gathering, including Ismail Nasir, Ozair Arts, Maryam Arif, Fajer Rabia Pasha, Adeel Shahid, Imran Ali Dina, Zainamatics and Hashim Nawaz. Their talks covered a wide range of topics, including technology, sustainability, innovation, personal growth and social responsibility, encouraging students to adopt purposeful thinking and become active contributors to progress.

A major focus of the event remained the empowerment of youth, with speakers emphasising that young people are central to shaping the country’s future.

The platform aimed to motivate students to think critically, build confidence and develop a sense of responsibility towards society.

The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination; Muhammad Shehzad Khan, President of the Youth Council of Pakistan; and Malik Mohammad Habib Khan, Former Inspector General.

Addressing the audience, Ms Alam said meaningful change begins at the individual level. She stressed that people must first work on improving themselves if they expect progress in society.

She also underlined the importance of teamwork, stating that success is not possible in isolation and that collective effort is essential for national development.

Sharing her personal journey, she said she had no political background and achieved her position through hard work and dedication. She also highlighted her strong connection with education, noting that she is a Montessori-trained teacher and holds deep respect for teachers.

The programme also featured lively performances by Aafi Bakshi, Akbar Niazi, Mazdoori, Takhleeq, Adam Shehzad and Abdul Rafay, along with an energetic beatboxing performance by Abdullah Armaghan. A theatrical skit by the Dramatics Society and a special appearance by Shampy Gang further entertained the audience.

Speaking on the occasion, Raheel Sajjad Khan, CEO and Founder of Westminster International School, welcomed the guests and appreciated the participation of speakers and performers. He said such platforms play an important role in encouraging learning beyond classrooms and nurturing confident, socially responsible students.

The event was organised by the school’s students under the leadership of the Student Executive Committee, comprising Wanya Hammad (Event Organiser), Mahnoor Fatima (Event Curator), Abdul Rafay (Director General), Musa Mudassar (Event Manager) and Iman Mukhtar (External Event Manager).

The event concluded with an inspiring message, reinforcing that a single idea can ignite a chain reaction of positive change and progress.