By: ANTONIO DEY | HGP NIGHTLY NEWS |
TEDx Turkeyen, an independently organised TED initiative curated by media professional Janelle Persaud, is set to debut in 2026—offering, as she describes, a bold new platform to modernise research communication, critique outdated policies, and stimulate national dialogue.
Initially planned for August 29, 2025, at the George Walcott Lecture Theatre, the event has been rescheduled to accommodate a larger audience and deliver a more impactful presentation. The upcoming TEDx Turkeyen will serve as a high-level hub for innovation, civic participation, creative thinking, and academic exchange.
Speaking with Nightly News, Persaud underscored the urgent need to make research accessible and relatable to the public.
“Research is often presented with too much technical jargon. We need to build the capacity of researchers to communicate their findings in ways the everyday Guyanese can understand,” she stressed, highlighting her commitment to bridging the gap between academia and the wider society.
Rooted in the globally respected TED format, TEDx Turkeyen aims to bring together a diverse mix of scholars, innovators, creators, and everyday citizens with powerful stories and fresh perspectives.
Persaud explained that the name TEDx Turkeyen honours the University of Guyana—an institution that shaped her intellectual journey and personal development.
“The University of Guyana is where I was pushed to think boldly and innovatively. Turkeyen is UG’s home, making it the ideal landmark for this platform,” she stated.
The initiative will also introduce the Guyana Academic Exchange, a quarterly series that highlights critical issues in research, showcases lived experiences, and promotes evidence-based policy discussions. The Exchange is expected to become a collaborative space where academics and citizens can engage meaningfully on matters of national development.
Persaud’s recent participation in TEDNext 2025 in Atlanta has further refined her vision. She described the experience as transformative, noting that it deepened her understanding of global storytelling standards and will enhance the quality of the local event.
TEDx Turkeyen now positions Guyana to join a global movement of knowledge sharing, civic empowerment, and innovative thinking—offering a timely platform as the country navigates rapid transformation across every sector.
