Beyond Contradictions: PARADOX at ISR’s First TEDx Event

Yesterday, we hosted the first TEDxYouth event at ISR, organized by our students Derinsu and Carl together with their dedicated team. Centered around the theme Paradox, the event brought our community together for an evening of inspiring ideas and thoughtful reflection, exploring different paradoxes through the perspectives of four engaging speakers.

The speakers approached the theme from distinct but equally thought-provoking angles.

Hannah Helmke, founder of right° based on science, demonstrated that people often know which decisions are harmful to the climate yet still justify their behavior. Knowledge alone, therefore, does not automatically lead to responsible action. For this reason, her company, right° based on science, focuses on making abstract emissions data easier to understand. It translates CO₂ values into degrees Celsius, making visible the extent to which companies, products, or individual decisions contribute to global warming. The central paradox is that people often have enough information but only begin to act more consciously when that information becomes concrete, comprehensible, and personally relevant.

Deborah Hüller, Partner for Public Sector at IBM Consulting and Board Member of the Initiative D21 e. V., spoke about artificial intelligence and humanity, raising important questions about technology, ethics, and what it means to remain human in an increasingly digital world. She also emphasized the importance of human interaction in a society that is increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.

Ananya Talreja, a student at Albert Einstein Gymnasium, focused on the human tendency to always want more, even when we already have enough, offering a reflective perspective on ambition, satisfaction, and perspective.

Linda Kastrup from Fridays for Future Deutschland addressed the paradox of climate awareness, reflecting on why so many people know about climate change but still struggle to change their behavior. She also underlined the responsibility of politics and companies, showing that meaningful change depends not only on individuals but also on broader structures and decision-makers.

The break and networking sessions created space for students, staff, and guests to connect and exchange their impressions of the event, as the talks sparked curiosity and discussion among the audience.

We would like to extend a special thank you to our Grade 9 and 7 students, Yukichiyo and Soji, for opening the event with an outstanding jazz performance on the piano and double bass. A huge thank you also goes to Grade 6 student, Aniego, who entertained the audience with a wonderful piano performance between the speaker sessions.

The evening was a tremendous success and a strong example of student leadership and initiative at ISR. Special thanks go to Derinsu, Carl, and their entire team for making this memorable event possible, as well as to all speakers and guests who contributed to the success of the evening.