The Swarovski Foundation, an international non-government organization focused on promoting sustainability, is seeking new leaders in sustainability through its “The Creatives for Our Future” programme.
Each of the winners will be awarded a €20,000 (N35 million) grant to pursue their stated dream. The application process, which has already opened, will be on until October 15, 2024. The programme is run by the Swarovski Foundation in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Partnership.
The programme is open to young creatives worldwide, within the 21 to 30 years age bracket, and extends to a multitude of disciplines, including fashion, design, art, architecture, and engineering. Successful applicants are expected to be already working on an “original project or product that uses the creative process to drive awareness, technology or solutions for sustainable development and drives progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals set out by the United Nations”.
The programme has, to date, supported 21 projects in innovative design, founded and initiated by young creatives, who have ground-breaking ideas for addressing the world’s sustainability and development challenges. The programme has enabled them to develop and scale their projects – either with funds to build on their research, or through mentorship and networking opportunities to unlock new directions.
Previous winners who have found the programme crucial to their success journey include Nigeria’s Joshua Ichor who developed a hand pump monitoring system and built a clean water kiosk for rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa. His efforts have increased communal access to clean water, which is crucial in regions that lack this basic necessity. His clean water kiosk has supplied more than 50,000 litres of clean water to community members, enabling over 10,000 people in sub-Saharan Africa to access clean water every day.
Thanks to the Creatives for Our Future programme, which he participated in and got funding, Joshua, has now been able to expand into Kenya and Uganda and hopes to install 50 new water monitoring systems before the end of the year.
Equally, Stanley Anigbogu, also from Nigeria, has developed an eco-friendly energy solution by reusing electronic waste and plastic bottles to provide clean energy and light sources for marginalized groups through the Creatives for Our Future programme. He has built a local AVATAR station in Nigeria, a solar-powered hub crafted from recycled shipping containers, known as the ‘AVATAR Station’.
The station acts as a community hub which educates students and local residents about climate change and the benefits of renewable energy. Stanley has also now launched his own curriculum, the Eco Heroes programme, which not only teaches children about renewable energy, but includes mentorship from global sustainability experts and culminates in students undertaking projects that address real-world issues.
Jakhya Rahman-Corey, the Director of the Swarovski Foundation said: “We are excited to open applications to the Swarovski Foundation Creatives for Our Future programme and nurture the next generation of inspiring talent”, adding that “creativity has the power to solve global challenges and achieve sustainability goals.”
“The Swarovski Foundation is looking forward to welcoming this year’s applications to turn their ideas into reality through access to education, resources, and a vital support network,” Rahman-Corey added.
The Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Partnerships, Annemarie Hou, noted that: “We need young talents, from fashion to engineering, to use their creativity to tackle sustainable development challenges. With mentorship, industry connections, and funding, these young people are turning obstacles into opportunities and driving real progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. Through the Creatives for Our Future programme, we are fostering the next generation of leaders.”
Established in 2013, the Swarovski Foundation brings focus to Daniel Swarovski’s historical commitment to philanthropy by supporting charitable initiatives to achieve positive social and environmental impact whilst driving progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
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