Moments of Truth: The speakers in Session 1 at TEDGlobal 2013

There’s a distinct sense of anticipation in the air here in Edinburgh, Scotland, as the lights are about to dim and we’re about to embark on the rollercoaster ride that is a TEDGlobal conference. The first session of the week, “Moments of Truth” tackles several difficult issues, including economic austerity, environmentalism, feminism and terrorism.

Here are the speakers who took the stage in this first session of TEDGlobal 2013. Click on their name to read a recap of their talk:

Musician John Kenny is the first person in hundreds of years to play the carnyx. What on earth’s a carnyx? Why, an ancient bronze Celtic horn, of course!

A longtime politician and the former Prime Minister of Greece, George Papandreou is here to share his perspective on the Greek debt crisis.

Steve Howard leads the sustainability effort at Ikea, helping the low-price-furniture giant to bring sustainable products to millions of people.

In the new book “Feral,” George Monbiot argues in favor of the large-scale restoration of ecosystems.

Described as “Canada’s next classical guitar superstar,” Tariq Harb is here to show why his mastery of melody and emotion have shot him into the upper ranks of classical guitarists.

Feminist activist, Manal al-Sharif advocates for women’s right to drive, male guardianship annulment, and family protection in Saudi Arabia.

And as if all that wasn’t enough, we’ll close the first session with Princeton professor and former policy advisor, Anne-Marie Slaughter, here to talk about women and the myths around work-life balance.