Why Students Shoudn’t Wait for Permission to Change the World | Oskar Bonte | TEDxVUB

Core Message - The speech emphasizes that individuals, especially young people, have the power to create change and should not wait for others or external permission to act on issues like climate change [1][4][9][17] - It advocates for "hope through action," urging people to move beyond worry and take concrete steps, no matter how small, to address problems [5][6][18] - The speech challenges the notion of "being realistic" as a barrier to ambition and encourages individuals to question and reshape societal norms [4][16] Examples and Illustrations - A high school initiative to remove sugary drinks in plastic bottles from vending machines demonstrates that even small actions can lead to significant change [6][7][8] - The story of organizing a climate camp in Colombia highlights the importance of understanding the needs and priorities of others when seeking support for initiatives [9][10][11][12] - Greta Thunberg's individual strike inspired 7 million people in 150 countries, illustrating the power of one person's actions [14] Call to Action - The speech urges the audience to identify issues that frustrate them in their immediate surroundings and to start conversations and take action to address them [19][20] - It encourages building teams and supporting each other to overcome challenges and celebrate victories [18] - The speaker emphasizes that hesitation is detrimental and that every step and voice matters in creating change [17][20]