From the TEDx Stage to an Honour in Canada: A Journey of Global Storytelling

For me, travel has never been simply about visiting destinations. It has always been about connecting with people, discovering cultures, and building bridges between communities. My recent journey to Canada was a true reflection of this philosophy—starting on an inspiring stage and culminating in a deeply meaningful international recognition. Here is the story of those two unforgettable experiences.

A Global Canvas on the TEDx Stage

On October 1, 2026, I had the privilege of taking the stage as a speaker at TEDx Leader Iran in Toronto, Canada. The event, which brought together speakers from different backgrounds, provided a powerful platform for conversations focused on women, their stories, experiences, and perspectives.

As a travel documentary filmmaker and the founder of Marco Travel, I approached the subject through the lens of travel and human connection. For my presentation, rather than using traditional words, I created a special visual piece featuring women I had encountered and documented across different geographical and cultural backgrounds.

The video was presented on stage alongside my live narration. Rather than focusing on women through the perspective of a single country or society, my goal was to explore the diversity of women’s experiences across borders. Through documentary imagery, I wanted to highlight how geography, culture, and tradition may differ dramatically, while human experiences can still create powerful connections between us all.

At Marco Travel, we believe meaningful travel is ultimately about people. Every destination has a human story. Speaking at this TEDx event represented an extension of this philosophy—bringing those global stories onto the stage and connecting travel experiences with conversations that matter.

An Honour for Travel Documentary and Storytelling

The meaningful moments of this Canadian journey extended beyond the TEDx stage. It was a true honour to be welcomed at the office of Mayor David West of Richmond Hill, Ontario, where I was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation. This honour recognized my international travels, documentary work, storytelling, and efforts to share cultural experiences from around the world.

During our meeting, I had the opportunity to speak about my journey as a travel writer and filmmaker. I shared my passion for exploring different countries and communities through travel and documentary storytelling.

I extend my sincere gratitude to Mayor David West for his warm welcome and thoughtful recognition, and to the City of Richmond Hill for celebrating the value of cultural exchange and the experiences that connect us across borders.

A Reminder to Keep Discovering

Receiving this honour from the Mayor of Richmond Hill was both a memorable personal moment and an inspiring encouragement.

This recognition is not only an honour—it is a reminder to keep travelling, keep discovering, and keep telling the stories of our shared world. Through travel and cultural storytelling, the journey to explore destinations through the people who give them their identity continues.