In this talk, the speaker, with two decades of experience in international conflict resolution, argues that war is the ultimate human rights abuse and often exacerbates conflicts rather than resolves them. Drawing on examples such as Afghanistan, Iraq, and Ukraine, the speaker stresses the need for early mediation, diplomacy, and addressing security concerns of all sides. Highlighting the importance of engaging with adversaries—such as negotiating with groups like Hamas and understanding Russia’s perspective—the speaker calls for a shift from supplying weapons to investing in mediation. They propose strengthening the UN’s role in war prevention to save lives and promote peace.

This talk explores the often-invisible yet essential infrastructure systems—energy, water, sewage, transportation—that underpin modern life. The speaker highlights how these systems give us agency and freedom, but also how they are deeply intertwined with global issues like climate change. Reflecting on how infrastructural networks connect us to the past, present, and future, the speaker emphasizes the need for collective action to decarbonize and redesign these systems. By comparing future infrastructure to a thriving forest ecosystem, the talk envisions a sustainable, resilient, and humane path forward that reflects our shared responsibility and commitment to global humanity.

In this compelling talk, the speaker highlights the critical link between climate change and conflict, particularly in Africa. Drawing from personal experience as a war survivor and his work with conflict-affected communities, he emphasizes how poverty, unemployment, and violence hinder climate action. Through stories from Uganda and beyond, he illustrates how communities are forced to exploit natural resources for survival, despite the long-term environmental damage. He argues that to create a sustainable future, we must change how we talk about climate change, engage youth in solutions, and hold corporations accountable for climate crimes. His call is for unity, inclusivity, and leadership that prioritizes peace and environmental justice.

In this engaging talk, the speaker explores the role of testosterone in shaping sex differences in behavior, particularly in play. Testosterone, present in both sexes but significantly higher in men, influences growth, brain function, and behavior. Drawing from research in behavioral endocrinology and personal experiences, the speaker highlights how rough-and-tumble play is more common in boys due to evolutionary pressures and testosterone levels. She addresses cultural concerns around masculinity, emphasizing that play is not a precursor to toxic behavior but a vital tool for learning social skills. By understanding the biological and social dimensions of sex differences, we can foster a more nuanced and compassionate conversation.

In this talk, the speaker highlights the importance of improving work conditions for essential workers in low-wage, labor-intensive industries like retail and restaurants. Workers such as Janet, a retail manager, face unlivable wages and unpredictable schedules, leading to high turnover and inefficiency. Through the “Good Jobs System,” companies like Costco and Sam’s Club have shown that investing in workers through higher pay, cross-training, and stable schedules leads to greater productivity, lower turnover, and improved business performance. By adopting this system, businesses can provide dignity, respect, and livable wages to millions of essential workers while boosting profitability and competitiveness.

In this thought-provoking dialogue, theater director Amir Nizar Zuabi and conservationist Kristine McDivitt Tompkins reflect on the deep interconnection between human compassion, climate change, and societal collapse. Zuabi shares stories of symbolic art projects like Amal, a puppet refugee, and “The Herds,” life-sized animal puppets migrating to highlight environmental collapse. Tompkins draws parallels between human suffering and environmental degradation, stressing the urgency of addressing both crises. Both speakers emphasize the need for humanity to awaken to its responsibilities and act, while remaining hopeful in the resilience of life and the possibility of collective transformation in the face of crisis.

In this insightful talk, an Iranian-American speaker reflects on the complexities of living between two cultures. Celebrating the beauty of both Iranian and American identities, they explore the tension between independence and interdependence, continuous improvement and being present. The speaker shares how American ideals like independence and constant growth are complemented by the Iranian emphasis on love, connection, and mindfulness. By integrating both cultures, they illustrate how embracing paradoxes allows us to be both free and connected, striving for a better future while finding joy in the present.

Henna Pryor shares a humorous yet insightful reflection on how our fear of awkwardness holds us back from taking risks and improving ourselves. From miscommunications in the workplace to the discomfort of correcting someone about your name, Pryor shows how our desire for external approval often keeps us stuck in a mindset that limits growth. Drawing parallels between professional life and the internal struggles we face, she encourages shifting from an “approval mindset” to an “improvement mindset.” By embracing small moments of discomfort and cringe, we can build resilience, boost our confidence, and achieve personal goals.

Playwright and negotiation expert shares five transformative lessons about negotiation, sparked by an unexpected lesson in a two-person kayak during her honeymoon. She redefines negotiation as a process of steering relationships, not battling for control. Key takeaways include the power of curiosity, starting with self-reflection, and understanding silence as a tool. Rather than viewing negotiations as adversarial, she advocates for turning your opponent into a partner, working together toward common goals. Through humor and personal anecdotes, she demonstrates how leading with curiosity and empathy creates not only better deals but also stronger relationships.

Playwright David Finnigan reflects on the surprising reactions to his provocative play Kill Climate Deniers, which aimed to spark dialogue about climate change and politics. Despite initial controversy from conservative media, Finnigan’s interactions with everyday climate deniers revealed a deeper truth: while many deny climate science to avoid facing its consequences, others who believe in the science, like himself, often act as “soft deniers” by not fully confronting its implications. Finnigan challenges us to recognize our own denial and live in alignment with the reality of a rapidly changing planet before the consequences become too severe to ignore.