On Thursday, January 22, 2026, the Abdul Majeed Shoman Auditorium at King’s Academy once again welcomed TEDxKings Academy, as students, faculty, parents, and guests gathered for an evening of bold ideas and powerful storytelling. Under the theme “Think Again,” the event invited the community to challenge assumptions, look beyond the obvious, and engage with new perspectives.

As a student-led initiative rooted in the spirit of TED’s mission to share “ideas worth spreading,” TEDxKings Academy reflects His Majesty King Abdullah II’s vision of an education that values independent thinking, creativity, and respect for diversity. This year’s talks created space for meaningful reflection, encouraging both speakers and audience members to reconsider the narratives we carry and the way we see the world.

Organized by an 11-student committee led by Head Organizer Omar Rabadi ’26 and Deputy Head Organizer Joud Almajali ’27, TEDxKings Academy 2026 featured a dynamic lineup of student and guest speakers, as well as a moving artistic performance. The event was proudly sponsored by Orange, Base Coffee, and Sugar Daddy’s Bakery, whose support helped bring the evening to life.

TEDxKings Academy 2026 welcomed an extraordinary group of guest speakers whose talks expanded the conversation beyond the school community.

Her Royal Highness Princess Noor bint Asem, who works extensively in youth mental health and mindful education, delivered “The Skills School Forgot to Teach You.” HRH emphasized the importance of nervous system regulation, reminding the audience that learning and performance are deeply connected to emotional well-being.

Professor Chuck Garcia, a Columbia University professor and Wall Street veteran, shared “What It Means to Gain the Upper Hand!” Drawing from the most difficult day of his career, he reflected on emotional intelligence, leadership, and resilience.

Hala Siraj, entrepreneur and tech executive, offered “5 Truths I Learned the Hard Way,” a candid talk on Jordan’s entrepreneurial potential and the unexpected journeys that shape success.

Farah Hourani, multidisciplinary designer and Creative Director of Zeyne, presented “If You Can, You Should,” exploring the responsibility of representing Palestine through art and media, and her role in pioneering new cultural forms of storytelling.

Bana Elayyan, one of Jordan’s most influential content creators with over 1.3 million followers, delivered “What Happens After You Go Viral?” She reflected on authenticity, redefining success, and choosing fulfillment over performance in the digital world.

King’s Academy student speakers delivered thoughtful and deeply personal talks that reflected the heart of the theme.

Lubna Sabbagh ’27, in her talk “Meine Geschichte,” explored the power of visualization and mental rehearsal, highlighting how the brain processes imagined practice as real, shaping performance and confidence.

Jaafar Wahbeh ’26 presented “Just Start the Sentence,” a compelling reflection on the courage of beginning, even when the ending is uncertain, and the possibilities that emerge once we simply take the first step.

Tala Sahibeh ’27, with her talk “Kill Your Darlings,” spoke about the strength it takes to let go of what no longer serves us, and how growth often requires release.

Adding to the evening’s impact was a special performance by alumna Selena Kishek ’18, who captivated the audience with a violin solo before joining Jude Sulh ’26 in a powerful duet combining live music and contemporary dance, bringing another dimension of expression to the TEDx stage.

Following the program, speakers, organizers, sponsors, and patrons gathered for a post-event reception, celebrating the months of dedication that brought TEDxKings Academy 2026 to life. The evening stood as a testament to student leadership, creativity, and the enduring power of ideas worth spreading.

Organizing Committee:
Omar Rabadi ’26, Joud Almajali ’27, Sami AlAtout ’26, Khader Jaarah ’26, Tawfiq AlKhoury ’26, Hala Abdulelah ’26, Sewar AlSalaita ’27, Hamza AlSboul ’27, Nada Tbayshat ’27, Jumana Alnobani ’26, Zina Alabdullah ’27, Mwiza Joy ’26, Ms. Tara Shawwa, Mr. Ahmed Freihat, and Dr. Christina Hawatmeh.