TEDx University of Tehran
A place to listen, and to think again
Scroll to enter
Support
TEDxUT 2026!
Support TEDx University of Tehran and help us bring meaningful ideas to the stage and create an inspiring, impactful experience.
Use the speaker icon to turn on sound.
Volunteer with TEDx 2026 University of Tehran
TEDx University of Tehran held its event “Choice or Passivity”
The official TEDxUniversityofTehran event, themed “Choice or Passivity”, took place on Tuesday, May 29, 2025 (8 Khordad 1404) at the University of Tehran's College of Fine Arts.
Ideas and inspiration
Held under an official license from TED to promote innovative, inspiring and thought-provoking ideas, the event was organized by a group of student volunteers from the University of Tehran, Sharif University of Technology and Allameh Tabataba'i University.
The theme
The event's theme, “Choice or Passivity”, explored individual and collective decision-making in the face of social, cultural and economic challenges. In short, structured talks, the speakers examined the subject from perspectives such as philosophy, art, economics and sociology.
Featured speakers
Dr. Zhaleh Amoozgar, mythologist and scholar of ancient Iranian culture
Shahram Mokri, film director
Mahour Alvand, film and stage actor
Mohammadreza Alavi, housing market analyst
Zari Monsef, writing advocate and facilitator
Dr. Akbar Soltani, endocrinologist with a master's degree in philosophy
Rouzbeh Salehabadi, geotechnical engineer
Dr. Hossein Selahvarzi, entrepreneur and former head of the Iran Chamber of Commerce
Responsible brand support
In support of the event's cultural and social goals, Night King and the Filmnet platform took part as main sponsors for media, logistics and catering. Their support came as part of the brands' social responsibility and their commitment to student and cultural initiatives.
Video release
Videos of the event will be available on TED's international YouTube channel and on the Filmnet platform.
About TEDxUniversityofTehran
TEDxUniversityofTehran, licensed by TED, was first held in 2024 on the theme “The Civilized City” and received an outstanding response. It was a lively gathering from the heart of the university, full of new ideas, conversation and shared thinking.
Now, in 2025, the event returns as “Choice or Passivity” to once again offer a space for reflection, exchanging ideas and inspiration. Our team is made up of creative, committed students who believe that holding such an event at the heart of the university is a meaningful step toward the intellectual and cultural growth of society.
After the event, every talk will be published on TED's YouTube channel, with its 44 million viewers, and on the Filmnet platform, so that everyone, including those who could not attend, can watch them. TEDxUniversityofTehran is more than a single day: it is a lasting experience that keeps inspiring.
If you would like to be part of this unique experience this year, registration for TEDxUniversityofTehran is open. Attending is not just about sitting and listening: it is a chance to join a dynamic community of thinkers, talk with outstanding speakers and connect with people who share your concerns and perspectives. Many professional relationships, interdisciplinary projects and even startup collaborations have begun in spaces like this.
TEDx is not just an event but an ecosystem of new ideas, collective energy and the drive for change. What you experience goes beyond watching the stage: it is an opportunity to take an active part in building a more aware and responsible society.
The event takes place on Thursday, May 29 (8 Khordad), at the University of Tehran. Arriving on time gives you more opportunities to engage with the speakers and to join the conversations with other participants. We suggest setting aside part of your day to make the most of the experience.
And if you cannot attend on the day for any reason, the full talks will be available on the Filmnet platform after the event.
Inspiring talks
Storytellers from the heart of ideas
About TED, TEDx and TEDx University of Tehran
TED
For about 30 years, TED has worked continuously to spread ideas. As it grew over those years, it founded many programs of its own. Its conferences invite the world's leading thinkers and doers to give talks of up to 18 minutes, and every talk can be watched on TED's international YouTube channel and other social media.
TEDx
In 2009, following the huge popularity of TED Talks, TED launched TEDx. Through it, people anywhere in the world can obtain a license and organize independent, local conferences that follow the TEDx standards. TEDx events include university, city and street events.
TEDx University of Tehran
TEDx University of Tehran is an independent event organized under a license from TED. Our goal is to create a space for sharing new, inspiring and transformative ideas among academics and talented people across Iran. The event is an opportunity to bring forward voices and perspectives that can shape a brighter future for Iran.
Photos from our journey so far
Looking back at last year's event
Contact us
Questions or suggestions? We'd love to hear from you!