- The initiative is supported by the UN in collaboration with Swarovski Foundation.
- Entries opened from September 3 2024 until October 15, 2024.
Young creatives from around the world, aged between 21 and 30 years, with innovative ideas, have a chance to win €20,000 (Sh2.8 million) in the Creatives for our Future programme.
The United Nations initiative in collaboration with Swarovski Foundation is seeking to promote ideas that have the potential to accelerate sustainable development.
"This year, six successful applicants will receive financial support of €20,000, along with an education programme in collaboration with top international institutions, tailored one-on-one mentorship, and industry networking opportunities to advance their innovation and career,'' a joint statement reads.
Entries opened from September 3 2024 until October 15, 2024.
Successful applicants will be notified and announced publicly in April 2025 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
From fashion to art to engineering, the programme has supported 21 sustainable innovation projects since its launch in 2020, enabling its beneficiaries to develop and scale their projects – either with funds to build on their research, or through mentorship and networking opportunities to unlock new directions.
According to Jakhya Rahman Corey, director of the Swarovski Foundation, the organisation is on a mission to promote sustainable livelihoods through education to reduce inequality.
"With the Creatives for Our Future programme, we can harness this through young creative talent seeking to break innovative ground and spearhead new approaches and ideas in sustainable development”, Rahman said.
“Having so far received more than 1500 applications from 92 countries, and supported 21 cohort members, it showcases that creativity has the power to solve global challenges and achieve sustainability goals."
Nigeria has previously raised the continent’s banner and boasts two alumni and programme beneficiaries - Joshua Ichor and Stanley Aniogbogu.
Joshua 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.
Stanley Anigbogu’s inspiration sprung from the challenges faced in his early years.
Stanley regularly had to study by candlelight, which resulted in eye infections from the harmful fumes. To address this problem, he developed an eco-friendly energy solution by reusing electronic waste and plastic bottles to provide clean energy and light sources for marginalised groups.
Through the programme, Stanley 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 that educates students and residents about climate change and the benefits of renewable energy.
Annemarie Hou, executive director of the United Nations Office for Partnerships said that they 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."