Emiratis and expatriates TEDx platform

Noted figures including Emiratis and expatriates gathered yesterday on the TEDx platform in Al Ain to exchange ideas and successes and tell their inspiring stories.
The TED, which stands for technology, entertainment, design, was founded in California by architect Richard Saul Wurman and his partners with the mission to spread worthy ideas.
It is also designed to encourage people and communities to engage in dialogue at local and international levels.
Caterina Lo Mascolo was one of the speakers at the conference. She is the founder and partner of Univers K — an art design life performance company creating bespoke projects tailored for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
She said nature and biodiversity must be appreciated, and people should make efforts towards a better tomorrow.
"The UAE, a signatory of many international conventions, is a leader in the conservation of environment at the local and international level," she said.
Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan led the way in this direction and people should continue to follow his vision, Lo Mascolo added. "If we fail our children will lose a big portion of their heritage and culture," she said.

Lo Mascolo said she was a keen observer of the nature, leading her to set up a company with the help of leading artists to promote culture, environment and biodiversity.

"When I was in the UAE, I had slept on a blanket in the desert," she said. "I plunged my hand in the desert sand and felt calm."
She said her company has used art successfully as a tool for conservation and promotion of biodiversity.
Other speakers included Mohammad Al Fahim, Ross Bradley, Christopher Payne, Wasel Safwan, Mohammad Al Niyadi, Dr Nikolaos Mavridis, Haif Zamzam, Martin Grunburg, Iman Ben Chaibah, and Aidha Al Bu Saidi.
A large number of people attended the event at Al Ain Municipality Theatre, and it was also streamed live on the internet. The curator of the TEDx Al Ain is Sajjad Kamal.