The United Nations, in partnership with the Swarovski Foundation, is excited to announce the opening of entries for the Creatives for Our Future programme. Young innovators aged 21 to 30 with groundbreaking ideas in sustainable development are encouraged to apply for a chance to receive €20,000 (approximately Sh2.8 million).
The initiative aims to accelerate sustainable development by supporting six promising applicants this year. Winners will not only receive financial backing but also benefit from a tailored education programme, one-on-one mentorship, and extensive industry networking opportunities. Applications are open from September 3, 2024, to October 15, 2024. The successful candidates will be publicly announced in April 2025 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Since its inception in 2020, the Creatives for Our Future programme has backed 21 innovative projects spanning fashion, art, and engineering. These projects have been propelled forward with financial support, mentorship, and networking opportunities, enabling recipients to scale their innovations and explore new avenues for impact.
Jakhya Rahman Corey, Director of the Swarovski Foundation, highlighted the programme’s commitment to fostering sustainable development through young talent. “Our mission is to promote sustainable livelihoods and reduce inequality through education. The Creatives for Our Future programme taps into the creativity of young innovators to drive new approaches and solutions in sustainability,” Corey said. “With over 1,500 applications from 92 countries, it’s clear that creativity is a powerful tool for addressing global challenges and achieving sustainability goals.”
Nigeria has previously shone brightly within the programme, with two notable beneficiaries: Joshua Ichor and Stanley Anigbogu. Joshua’s work includes a hand pump monitoring system and a clean water kiosk in rural sub-Saharan Africa, providing over 50,000 litres of clean water daily to more than 10,000 people. Meanwhile, Stanley Anigbogu, inspired by his own struggles with inadequate lighting, has created an eco-friendly energy solution using electronic waste and plastic bottles. His initiative, the ‘AVATAR Station,’ is a solar-powered hub built from recycled shipping containers that serves as a community center for educating on climate change and renewable energy.
Annemarie Hou, Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Partnerships, emphasized the importance of supporting young talent across various fields. “With the right mentorship, industry connections, and funding, these young innovators are transforming challenges into opportunities and making significant strides towards the Sustainable Development Goals.”
