TEDxChange, happening on April 5, is being livestreamed all over the world on TED.com and TEDxChange.org (which links to Facebook). April 5 is a Thursday, which means that you’re probably at work or school with a bunch of meetings to attend. Lucky for you, the program is only 90 minutes, and it’s worth it — so reschedule your calls and take a long lunch break. The livestream airs at 5:30pm CEST (Berlin time), which translates to 12:30am Tokyo time, 9pm Mumbai time, 3:30pm in Dakar, 12:30pm in Brasilia, 11:30am Eastern and 8:30am Pacific time.

Here are three reasons (among many!) you should watch online or find a viewing party near you:

Get a grip on our biggest challenges. We hear a lot about how technology has made the world a very small place. At the same time, the solutions to common problems like climate change and global poverty seem overwhelmingly complex. “The Big Picture” is the theme for this year’s event, and the program will help all attendees understand the innovative solutions that can, for example, address issues of sustainability and social entrepreneurship at the same time. It’s a great way to get a handle on these almost incomprehensible problems.

TEDxChange is everywhere. With nearly 200 events in 66 countries, there’s a pretty good chance there is a viewing event near you. Find an event near you.

Melinda Gates, Jeff Chapin, Sven Giegold, Theo Sowa and Baaba Maal. Ok, they technically make it seven reasons — but they’re all speaking. Sven Giegold is a European parliamentarian and green industry advocate; Jeff Chapin is a product designer for IDEO; and Theo Sowa is interim CEO of the African Women’s Development Fund. Never seen Senegalese singer Baaba Maal perform? You should — and here’s your chance.

Photo courtesy of Flickr user TEDxDupontCircle

TEDxChange Brisbane: September 21, 2010, Brisbane Powerhouse. Photo: TEDxBrisbane / Mark Lobo

TEDxChange, convened by Melinda Gates and hosted by Chris Anderson, will focus on “Big Picture” thinking around our most complex problems — and their solutions.

Around the world, nearly 200 events from 66 countries will watch the livestream together. We asked some of the TEDxChange event organizers to complete the sentence, “The reason you should attend my event is…” in seven words or less. Here are their answers:

The reason you should attend my event is:

“To change the world … and drinks & snacks.” Patricia, TEDxSKEChange, Lebanon >>

“To close your mouth, open your soul and listen without prejudice.” Giorgio, TEDxDubaiChange, United Arab Emirates >>

“To be the change!” Elena, TEDxChisinauChange, Moldova >>

“Much better together in Madrid than alone!” Antonella, TEDxMadridChange, Spain >>

There are:

57 events in North America
43 events in Europe
31 events in Asia
26 events in South America
11 events in the Middle East
10 events in Africa

On April 5, TEDxChange will be livestreamed from Berlin at 5:30 P.M. CEST on TED.com and TEDxChange.org. Find an event near you.

What is your role in solving the world’s biggest problems? Climate change, global poverty, the AIDS/HIV crisis — solving these problems will demand big thinking and unprecedented international cooperation.

That’s where TEDxChange comes in. TEDxChange 2012 is a platform for sharing game-changing ideas — and the world is invited to join the conversation.

Solving big problems means seeing the big picture. This year’s theme, “The Big Picture,” goes beyond single-issue solutions and highlights the interconnectedness of today’s most pressing problems.

TEDxChange will be streamed live from Berlin on TED.com and at TEDxChange.org at 5:30 PM CEST on April 5. The program will run for 90 minutes.

The event — convened by Melinda Gates and hosted by Chris Anderson — will feature Sven Giegold, European parliamentarian and green industry advocate; Jeff Chapin, product designer for IDEO; and Theo Sowa, interim CEO of the African Women’s Development Fund — plus the amazing Senegalese singer Baaba Maal.

Nearly 200 communities in 66 countries around the world are already taking part by watching the livestream together and hosting conversations. Find an event near you.

Learn more about TEDxChange >>