The Sunshine Coast will be showcased to more than 43 million subscribers around the world as UniSC hosts its first TEDx event.
Organised entirely by students, with support from the university, TEDx University of the Sunshine Coast features eight speakers.
TEDx is a cultural phenomenon that celebrates new research and ideas, created in the spirit of TED’s overall mission to research and discover “ideas worth spreading”.
"Interconnection encourages us to see the links between our studies, our work, our lives and real-world challenges, and reminds us that our unique perspectives can contribute to something bigger."
TEDx Lead Organiser and co-chair of the International Student Group at UniSC, Cel Ileva, said what started as a discussion with fellow students about professional development quickly escalated into a plan to stage one of the world’s most recognisable events.
“I shared an idea out loud and quickly realised we would need help in bringing it to life,” said Cel, a Master of Social Work student who has previously delivered two TEDx talks.
She said it was a big task, from shortlisting speakers from around the world, to working carefully with the TEDx event guidelines.
As a result, eight speakers will cover a broad range of topics, with each address captured on film to eventually be published on the YouTube platform of more than 43 million subscribers.
The event theme is interconnection – with a focus on community, integrity and sustainability.
The event theme is interconnection – with a focus on community, integrity and sustainability, Cel said.
“Interconnection encourages us to see the links between our studies, our work, our lives and real-world challenges, and reminds us that our unique perspectives can contribute to something bigger,” she said.
“It reflects a shared understanding that we are never truly isolated. We grow, thrive, and become our best selves through the connections we build and the support we offer one another.”
The students also secured sponsorship from Study Sunshine Coast, an initiative aimed at connecting students with world-class opportunities and experiences, which saw a fantastic opportunity to highlight the Sunshine Coast to a global audience.
A short video showcasing the region’s natural beauty and innovation will be featured at the beginning of each speaker’s video online.
Cel said that as an international student, she knew the appeal of the region to people overseas.
“When I was looking at university options, I noticed the bigger universities tended to get greater exposure, but I wanted something different,” she said.
“I was born in Mozambique and have lived in Canada, Portugal, and Bulgaria. I’ve spent the last 14 years in England. I wanted better weather, and the Sunshine Coast felt perfect because of its connection to nature.”
UniSC’s Students as Partners has supported the event, enabling access to the University’s facilities and expertise to organise a world-class event.
UniSC Pro Vice-Chancellor Global and Engagement Alex Elibank Murray said it was an exciting project and the students had done an exceptional job of selecting speakers from 56 applicants worldwide.
“The event is mainly for students, staff and alumni of the university but eventually anyone will be able to benefit from the expertise when the recordings become available online,” Ms Elibank Murray said.
“The hope is that this is just the beginning, and that future students will continue the event, which ultimately showcases innovation in the region, the initiative of our students, and our unique position as a university spanning three connecting UNESCO Biosphere Reserves.”
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