Rateel Alshehri, the 14-year-old Saudi podcaster, public speaker, and youth advocate, is set to make history as the youngest person ever to host a TEDx event. Taking centre stage at TEDxAmman before an audience of over 4,000 attendees, Rateel will bring her unique energy, authenticity, and vision to one of the world’s most prestigious platforms for sharing ideas and inspiring change.
This remarkable achievement positions Rateel as a trailblazing voice of Generation Alpha, further highlighting her growing influence as a thought leader shaping the conversations that matter most to today’s youth.
The milestone comes shortly after the release of her latest podcast episode, where she explored the hidden pressures students face during the back-to-school season. Joined by a senior clinical psychologist, Rateel delved into topics often overlooked, including anxiety, identity, and societal expectations, sparking meaningful discussions about mental readiness.
“Everyone asks if we’re physically ready for school, but no one asks if we’re mentally ready,” said Rateel Alshehri. “Standing on the TEDx stage will help me ensure that young voices are not just heard—they are needed. I want to use this platform to remind students that their wellbeing matters as much as their grades.”
Saudi Arabia’s youngest trailblazer has continued to break barriers, having recently shared the stage with global philanthropist and tech visionary Bill Gates at the Misk Global Forum 2024 in Riyadh. Rateel was handpicked to deliver the keynote opening speech, where she captivated the audience with her vision for empowering youth before introducing Gates, the event’s headline speaker.
She also played a significant role at the iktva Forum, organised by Saudi Aramco, which saw the signing of 145 agreements and MoUs valued at SAR 33.75 billion to enhance local content. The forum was attended by His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Energy, who highlighted the importance of localising supply chains to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s economy.
In addition, Rateel made her mark at the Biban Forum, one of the Kingdom’s most influential gatherings for entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers. The event brought together leaders, startups, and investors to explore growth opportunities and advance an entrepreneurial ecosystem aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.
Through these influential appearances, Rateel Alshehri continues to amplify the voice of Saudi youth, demonstrating the ambition, creativity, and determination of a generation shaping the Kingdom’s future.
As the founder and host of Rateel Alpha Talk, Rateel is on a mission to inspire curiosity, courage, and self-awareness among her peers. With a growing social media following of millions, she drives impactful conversations around education, mental health, sustainability, and innovation—aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to empower young people in leading the Kingdom’s transformation.
Rateel Alshehri will take the stage at the TEDxAmman Conference — The Power of Why, set against the stunning backdrop of the 2,000-year-old Roman Theatre in Amman. She will join influential global voices to inspire more than 4,000 dreamers, builders, and innovators during an unforgettable evening of ideas and collaboration.
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