Dr. Maher Al-Hourani Launches the TEDxAAU Platform, Emphasizing Agility, Innovation, and Timely Decision-Making

Dr. Maher Al-Hourani, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Al-Ahliyya Amman University and Chairman of its Board of Directors, inaugurated the TEDxAAU platform at the University Arena Theater, in the presence of the University President, Professor Dr. Sari Hamdan, the deans, and a large audience of faculty members, influencers, students, and intellectuals. In his address, Dr. Al-Hourani emphasized that true success stems from keeping pace with rapid developments, creating the necessary conditions for change, and making swift, well-informed decisions. He cited several examples, including the early stages of establishing the Arena Complex, highlighting the pivotal support of his late father, Dr. Ahmed Al-Hourani, who strongly believed in the idea. Dr. Al-Hourani also reflected on the University’s transformation after 2017, during which dozens of outdated academic programs were discontinued and replaced with new, market-driven specializations aligned with labor market needs. This transformation was accompanied by significant investment in state-of-the-art infrastructure across colleges and laboratories, as well as the integration of artificial intelligence as a core requirement across all colleges and disciplines. He commended the sustained efforts of the University President, Professor Dr. Sari Hamdan, and the dedication of the University team over the years. To illustrate the cost of failing to adapt to change, Dr. Al-Hourani referenced the well-known moment when Steve Ballmer, then CEO of Nokia, announced the sale of the company to Microsoft, stating: “We did nothing wrong… but somehow we lost.” This example, he explained, underscores how clinging to outdated thinking, while the world accelerates toward innovation, can lead even the strongest institutions to fall behind. Dr. Al-Hourani further highlighted the Group’s commitment to continuous development across the University’s schools, dairy companies, and other enterprises under the Al-Hourani Group umbrella. He also underscored the Group’s humanitarian and social initiatives that serve the local community, particularly its ongoing support for students, an approach deeply rooted in the vision of the late Dr. Ahmed Al-Hourani. In this context, he referenced the work of Ata’a Charity and the efforts of MP Andre Azouni. Concluding his remarks, Dr. Al-Hourani urged individuals to think in terms of impact rather than routine when shaping their careers. He encouraged proactive leadership, broad national thinking, and moving beyond narrow perspectives. Addressing future generations, he affirmed their capacity to make a meaningful difference, lead transformative change, and build a brighter future through courage, initiative, and influence. It is worth noting that TEDx is a global program that enables individuals and organizations to organize independent local events inspired by the internationally renowned TED conferences. The initiative aims to spread “ideas worth spreading” and showcase inspiring stories and innovations across science, technology, the arts, and humanitarian fields. The “x” in TEDx denotes that the event is independently organized.