TEDxUWCCR Youth: Amplifying the Voices of the Unheard

After nearly a decade, TEDx has made a remarkable comeback at UWC Costa Rica!

On November 15, 2024, our campus buzzed with excitement as students, staff, and board members gathered for the 3rd edition of TEDxUWCCR Youth, an official TEDx event entirely organized by students. The theme of this year’s event, “Amplifying the Voices of the Unheard,” resonated deeply with UWC Costa Rica’s mission:

“To cultivate in young people the passion and ability to serve humanity and our planet—learning from nature and from each other for a lifetime.”

This inspiring day brought together 100 attendees from our diverse community and featured thought-provoking talks and performances from students and board members.

The protagonists in this edition were Helena’26 from Uganda, Freddy’25 from Venezuela, Maddalena’25 from Italy, Michelle’26 from India, and Kevin Ferreira’09. We also enjoyed delightful performances from Bonita’25, who presented a powerful poem, and Tara’25, with a beautiful dance.

A Platform for Diverse Ideas

TEDxUWCCR Youth 2024 was more than just a series of talks—it was a celebration of leadership, creativity, and the courage to share ideas that challenge societal norms.

The theme, “Amplifying the Voices of the Unheard,” was born from a collective recognition that contemporary society often determines whose voices are elevated and whose are silenced. The speakers tackled topics ranging from environmental sustainability to social justice, and from mental health advocacy to the importance of cross-cultural understanding. Through this platform, UWC Costa Rica students were able to amplify issues that align with the United World Colleges (UWC) movement’s values of sustainability, peace, and inclusivity.

Why TEDx Matters to UWC Costa Rica

At UWC Costa Rica, education extends far beyond the classroom. Events like TEDxUWCCR Youth empower students to lead, collaborate, and address global challenges. They reflect our commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity and the confidence to share innovative ideas with the world. The TEDx experience also aligns with our Sustainability Framework, as students explored how to effect change both locally and globally. This year’s speakers embodied UWC Costa Rica’s goal of preparing young leaders to contribute meaningfully to their communities and to the planet.

Highlights from TEDxUWCCR Youth 2024

Student Leadership: From event logistics to curating the speaker lineup, the TEDx Student Committee took the reins, showcasing their leadership and teamwork.
Dynamic Presentations: The talks were as diverse as our community, offering fresh perspectives on topics that often go unheard.
Community Engagement: Over 100 attendees—students, staff, and board members—joined to celebrate the power of ideas.

The event proved once again that young people have the ability to inspire, provoke thought, and spark meaningful change when given the chance.

Looking Ahead

UWC Costa Rica is committed to continuing to provide students with opportunities to share their ideas and perspectives with the world. Events like TEDxUWCCR Youth reinforce our dedication to equipping young leaders with the skills to serve humanity and the planet. As we look toward future editions of TEDxUWCCR, we’re excited to see how this platform evolves and continues to showcase the transformative potential of youth-led initiatives.

TEDxUWCCR Youth 2024 was a testament to the power of student voices and the enduring value of ideas worth sharing. UWC Costa Rica is proud to have hosted such a meaningful event and looks forward to amplifying more voices in the future.