IBB Bulletin: Turning Pages and Taking Stages
The Untold Stories of the Middle East is available on Amazon, Faisal takes the stage at TEDNext and the Global Free Speech Summit, and much more
Dear Friends and Supporters of IBB,
As we jump into the second half of 2024, we have exciting updates to share. I’ll get right to it:
🎙️ New speaking gigs alert! Faisal will be speaking at TEDNext in Atlanta and the Global Free Speech Summit at Vanderbilt University this October.
TED conferences bring together expert thinkers and doers across a wide range of fields to share new ideas. Happening October 22-24, 2024, TEDNext is a vibrant three-day exploration of what’s next and how to drive change at every level, from personal to global. Faisal’s TED talk will focus on fixing international development—IBB style.
The Global Free Speech Summit is an event to discuss the most pressing challenges threatening freedom of expression worldwide and identify impactful solutions to reinvigorate this fundamental freedom. Faisal will be joined by IBB advisory board member Jacob Mchangama as well as former head of the ACLU Nadine Strossen, so he will be in good company.
To book Faisal as a speaker for your next event, click here.
📖 Officially Available on Amazon: The Untold Stories of the Middle East
The Untold Stories of the Middle East explores the compelling narratives of individuals using resources provided by our Innovation Hub program to positively transform their societies, illustrating the profound impact of investing directly in the ingenuity and resilience of the MENA region's people. You can now buy a copy directly from Amazon!
“Ideas Beyond Borders is pioneering a new movement that helps people to liberate their own initiative and energy. When people grasp the freedom to change their lives, they do amazing things. They make me hopeful about the future.”
- Dr. Tom G. Palmer, co-author of Development With Dignity and Institutions and Economic Development
📺 Faisal recently appeared on Masih Alinejad’s show Tablet for Voice of America.
They discussed the current challenges and opportunities facing the Middle East and how a free Iran leads to a free Iraq. The Persian version of the interview is live now, but stay tuned for the English version.
And that's all the news that's fit to print (or stream, or post) from IBB this month! With Faisal taking center stage at TEDNext and the Global Free Speech Summit, and our new book now available on Amazon, we're thrilled to share these milestones with you.
Remember, change doesn't happen in isolation. It’s fueled by the collective energy of individuals like you who believe in the power of ideas and the people who bring them to life. So, keep spreading the word, keep engaging in those critical conversations, and keep supporting the transformative work happening here at Ideas Beyond Borders.
Until next time, keep thinking big and pushing boundaries.
Onward and Upward,
Reid Newton
Lead Editor, Ideas Beyond Borders
80% of every dollar we receive goes directly towards supporting our programs, including Substack subscriptions!
From Isolation to Enlightenment
Initially, the reaction to our translated articles and books was negative—aggressive, even. However, these reactions evolved over time into discussions and dialogues, gradually breaking down stereotypes and fostering a willingness to entertain new ideas. Slowly but surely, I watched as people overcame ignorance and fear.
Ideas Beyond Borders did not choose an easy path. The fruits of our labor are not immediately visible, but over time, the significance of our work becomes apparent. Ignorance fuels fear, and fear breeds extremism. Knowledge, therefore, is our most potent weapon against the extremism that plagues many societies in our region. Our efforts are an essential part of this broader struggle.
- Alissar Obaid, translator, Ideas Beyond Borders
Innovator Spotlight: Business Times Afghanistan
Since joining the program and receiving support from Ideas Beyond Borders, the impact on my future aspirations and goals has been transformative. Their grant has not only allowed me to start over but has also provided me with the resources and encouragement to dream bigger and aim higher. The long-term impact of their support extends beyond just financial assistance; it has ignited a passion within me to excel, innovate, and achieve greater success in the future. I am truly grateful for their partnership and look forward to the continued growth and influence of my magazine with their ongoing support. - Abdul Rafi Hashimi, Innovation Hub Grantee and Founder of Business Times Afghanistan
