Most of us want to make a difference in the world but aren’t sure where or how to start. These provocative talks from experts from around the world will question everything you know about being a global citizen and inspire you to take action.
Whether you’re contemplating the future or are ready to get out there today, here are 9 TED Talks to inspire you to volunteer overseas.
What does it mean to be a citizen of the world? – Hugh Evans
We all identify with a culture of some kind, but what about as a “global citizen”? In this uplifting and personal talk, Evans explores how this new understanding of our place in the world is galvanizing people to take action in the fights against extreme poverty, climate change, gender inequality and more.
Watch What does it mean to be a citizen of the world?
The story we tell about poverty isn’t true – Mia Birdsong
This talk from Mia Birdsong emphasises the need to honour the skills, drive and initiative that people living in poverty bring to the struggle every day. She asks us to look again at people in poverty: They may be broke — but they’re not broken.
Watch The story we tell about poverty isn’t true
The why and how of effective altruism – Peter Singer
Most of us want to help people in some way or another. But what’s the most effective way to give? Philosopher Peter Singer talks through some surprising thought experiments to help you balance emotion and practicality, and make the biggest impact with whatever you can share.
Watch The why and how of effective altruism
Want to help someone? Shut up and listen – Ernesto Sirolli
When most well-intentioned aid workers hear of a problem they think they can fix, they go to work. This, Ernesto Sirolli suggests, is naïve. In this funny and impassioned talk, he proposes that the first step is to listen to the people you’re trying to help, and tap into their own entrepreneurial spirit. His advice on what works will help any entrepreneur.
Watch Want to help someone? Shut up and listen
The hidden opportunities of the informal economy – Niti Bhan
Informal markets are the small shops and stands, skilled craftspeople and laborers who are the invisible engine that keeps many developing countries’ economy running. Rather than treating these workers as tax-dodgers, even criminals, Bhan makes the case that this booming segment of the economy is legitimate and worthy of investment.
Watch The hidden opportunities of the informal economy
For more tolerance we need more… tourism? – Aziz Abu Sarah
Tourism often gets a bad wrap when it comes to sustainable development. But this talk explores how simple interactions with people in different cultures can erode decades of hate.
Watch For more tolerance we need more… tourism?
How economic inequality harms societies – Richard Wilkinson
Contrary to popular belief, poverty affects more than just the people who immediately experience it. Richard Wilkinson explores the hard data on economic inequality, and when rich and poor are too far apart. Reducing poverty makes the world better for everyone.
Watch How economic inequality harms societies
The power of time off – Stefan Sagmeister
There’s a lot of stigma around taking career breaks in the West. But, as designer Stefan Sagmeister explains, taking a sabbatical can rejuvenate and refresh your outlook on life. He explains the often overlooked value of time off and shows the innovative projects inspired by his time in Bali.
The danger of a single story – Chimamanda Adichie
As anyone who’s ever taken the time to understand a new culture can attest to, there is never one side to a story. Novelist Chimamanda Adichie tells the story of how she found her authentic cultural voice, and warns that if we hear only a single story about another person or country, we risk a critical misunderstanding.
Watch The danger of a single story
Ready to experience a new way of life while making a sustainable difference overseas? Enquire now about volunteering in 2018 or 2019.