TEDx Youth explores ‘Uncharted Waters’

From examining the impact of mobile phones on young people's development to delving into the complexities of justice, morality and politics, these young speakers demonstrated a level of insight and articulation that left the audience thoroughly impressed.

One particularly poignant talk explored ‘The Tragedy of the Good Man’ and grappled with the issue of moral polarisation in contemporary politics. Another speaker bravely tackled the ethical quandaries surrounding genetic engineering and the alteration of the human genome. And in a talk that struck a chord with many, another speaker urged the audience to keep pursuing the unknown.

Perhaps most inspiring was the sheer range of subjects covered and the depth of research and critical thinking these young presenters displayed. From media literacy and the hidden agendas in cinema to the philosophical question of whether intent or consequences should carry more weight in matters of justice, each talk demonstrated a level of nuance and sophistication far beyond their years.

Richard Li, a year 13 pupil and the organizer of this year’s TEDxYouth Talk remarked, "These talks have shown that we, as young people, can grapple with complex and consequential topics thoughtfully and articulately. By sharing our unique perspectives, we hope to inspire others to muster the courage to explore uncharted waters, both intellectually and in life."

As ever, this year’s TEDxYouth Talk was a resounding testament to the power of curiosity, the importance of open discourse and, most importantly, the remarkable capabilities of the next generation. We cannot wait to see what fascinating topics they tackle next year.