The Swarovski Foundation, a global non-governmental organisation dedicated to advancing sustainability, is on the hunt for the next generation of trailblazers through its prestigious “The Creatives for Our Future” programme.
The initiative seeks to identify and support young visionaries whose innovative projects align with sustainable development goals.
The programme offers a substantial grant of €20,000 (N35 million) to each selected winner, empowering them to advance their groundbreaking ideas. The application period is now open and will continue until October 15, 2024.
The initiative is run in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Partnerships, aiming to foster creative solutions to pressing global challenges.
Open to young creatives aged 21 to 30, the programme spans a diverse range of fields including fashion, design, art, architecture, and engineering. Applicants are expected to be engaged in original projects or products that leverage the creative process to promote sustainability and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
To date, the programme has supported 21 pioneering projects led by young innovators tackling sustainability and development issues. The support provided has included funding to advance their research or mentorship and networking opportunities to explore new avenues for their work.
Notable past recipients include Joshua Ichor from Nigeria, who developed a hand pump monitoring system and a clean water kiosk for rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa. His initiative has delivered over 50,000 liters of clean water, benefiting more than 10,000 individuals daily. The programme’s support enabled Joshua to expand his efforts into Kenya and Uganda, with plans to install 50 new water monitoring systems by year’s end.
Similarly, Stanley Anigbogu, also from Nigeria, has created an eco-friendly energy solution by repurposing electronic waste and plastic bottles. His project, the AVATAR Station, a solar-powered hub built from recycled shipping containers, provides clean energy and educational resources on climate change and renewable energy. Stanley has also launched the Eco Heroes programme, which educates children about renewable energy and includes mentorship from global sustainability experts.
Jakhya Rahman-Corey, Director of the Swarovski Foundation, expressed enthusiasm about the programme:
“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.
Annemarie Hou, Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Partnerships, emphasised the programme’s importance: “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 honors Daniel Swarovski’s legacy of philanthropy by supporting charitable initiatives aimed at making a positive social and environmental impact while advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.