Bishop of Derby presents at TEDx talk at One Friar Gate Square

The Bishop of Derby, Dr Alastair Redfern, presented a live talk from the University of Derby last night (February 11), as part of a TEDx talk titled ‘Transforming Lives’.

The University was invited as a viewing party for this event, which was broadcast from the Palais des Nations in Geneva to One Friar Gate Square in Derby. The event was opened by the University's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kathryn Mitchell. 

TEDx is a program of self-organised events that bring people together to share their experience and discuss a variety of topics.

The event brought together eleven diverse and distinguished speakers, all of whom have made a real difference in people’s lives around the world, including: Dennis Liotta, Drug Discoverer, Thabitha Khumalo, Democracy Advocate and Scott Foster, Energy Activator.

Geography and International Relations and Diplomacy student Radhika Ganesan, who attended the event, said: “I thought all of the talks were really interesting, the way they use anecdotes and quotes to intrigue you and give you a context on what the talks about, really helps your understanding.

“It’s such a great opportunity that the University was invited as a viewing party, I found it really useful because afterwards you can go and research the topic even more, it’s given me a broader understanding about the issues we face today.”

Franc Jegede, Senior Lecturer in International Relations and Diplomacy at the University of Derby said: “The Rt. Revd Dr Alastair Redfern, Bishop of Derby, Kathryn Baldacchino, Anti-Trafficking Project Manager, British Red Cross, and Mick Creedon, Chief Constable, Derbyshire Constabulary, provided a great start to the day’s event and served as prelude to the fascinating stories of amazing people doing great things around the world to transform people’s lives.

“We have already had great feedback, the event has been amazing, providing a great opportunity for students, staff and guests to engage with a global audience to explore a wide ranging issues. The event is judged extremely resourceful and insightful.

“Linking engaging local speakers with an international audience in one event covering such a wide range of global issues is fascinating, enjoyable, eye-opening and inspiring.”

Dr Alastair Redfern added: “It was a real privilege to be invited to the University of Derby to speak at the TEDx event yesterday, it was great to see such a range of students eager and keen to engage.

The United Nations is the highest intergovernmental organisation in the world. This global institution connects all countries and people around the world in its effort to transform and improve the social economic and political condition of people all-over-the-world.