The Swarovski Foundation, an international NGO dedicated to sustainability, is launching its “The Creatives for Our Future” programme to discover and support emerging leaders in sustainability. This initiative aims to empower young innovators across various disciplines, including fashion, design, art, architecture, and engineering.
GRANT DETAILS
- Award Amount: €20,000 (₦35 million) per winner
- Application Deadline: October 15, 2024
PROGRAMME FOCUS
Eligible participants are young creatives aged 21 to 30 who are already working on original projects or products that use creative processes to promote sustainability and advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
SUCCESS STORIES
- Joshua Ichor: Developed a hand pump monitoring system and clean water kiosk for rural sub-Saharan Africa, providing over 50,000 litres of clean water daily to more than 10,000 people. With the programme’s support, Joshua has expanded his initiative into Kenya and Uganda.
- Stanley Anigbogu: Created an eco-friendly energy solution using electronic waste and plastic bottles. His solar-powered ‘AVATAR Station’ in Nigeria serves as a community hub for climate education and renewable energy. Stanley also runs the Eco Heroes programme, which educates students on renewable energy and provides mentorship from global sustainability experts.
PROGRAMME IMPACT
The Creatives for Our Future programme has supported 21 innovative projects to date, providing funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities to young creatives addressing global sustainability challenges.
STATEMENTS
- Jakhya Rahman-Corey, Director of the Swarovski Foundation, expressed excitement about nurturing new talent and emphasized the power of creativity to tackle global challenges and achieve sustainability goals.
- Annemarie Hou, Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Partnerships, highlighted the importance of young talents in using their creativity to address sustainable development challenges, with mentorship and funding playing a crucial role in turning obstacles into opportunities.
Established in 2013, the Swarovski Foundation continues its legacy of philanthropy by supporting initiatives that drive social and environmental impact and progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.