By Alfred Zacharia
The Swarovski Foundation has announced the 2024 edition of its ‘Creatives for Our Future’ programme, in partnership with the United Nations Office for Partnerships.
The initiative invites young creatives worldwide, aged 21 to 30, who have innovative ideas that can drive sustainable development to apply.
A press statement issued on Tuesday (September 3) says that in 2024, six selected applicants will receive €20,000 in funding, an educational programme with leading international institutions, personalized mentorship, and access to industry networks to propel their innovations and careers forward.
Applications are open from September 3, 2024, to October 15, 2024, at www.sfcreatives.org, with winners to be announced in April 2025 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Since its launch in 2020, the programme has supported 21 sustainable innovation projects across various fields, including fashion, art, and engineering.
Beneficiaries have leveraged funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities to scale their projects and explore new avenues.
“The Swarovski Foundation’s mission is to promote sustainable livelihoods through education and reduce inequality. Through the Creatives for Our Future programme, we harness young creative talent to pioneer innovative approaches to sustainable development,” Jakhya Rahman Corey, Director of the Swarovski Foundation, highlighted.
With over 1,500 applications from 92 countries and 21 cohort members supported, the initiative demonstrates that creativity can address global challenges and achieve sustainability goals.
“We look forward to seeing this year’s applications turn ideas into reality, supported by education, resources, and a vital network,” Corey added.
Nigeria stands out with two alumni among past beneficiaries—Joshua Ichor and Stanley Anigbogu. Joshua developed a hand pump monitoring system and a clean water kiosk for rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa, providing over 10,000 people daily access to clean water.
The programme enabled him to expand into Kenya and Uganda, with plans to install 50 new water monitoring systems by the year’s end.
Stanley Anigbogu’s inspiration came from personal struggles, as he often had to study by candlelight, leading to eye infections. In response, he developed an eco-friendly energy solution using electronic waste and plastic bottles to create clean energy sources for marginalized communities.
His solar-powered AVATAR Station in Nigeria, built from recycled shipping containers, serves as an educational hub teaching climate change and renewable energy benefits.
Stanley also launched the Eco Heroes Programme, which mentors young people in renewable energy and equips them to tackle real-world challenges.
“The Creatives for Our Future programme gave me the resources to reduce emissions and inspire change. The AVATAR Station is more than a symbol of innovation; it empowers communities and the next generation through education and action,” Stanley said,
Annemarie Hou, Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Partnerships, praised the programme’s impact: “We need young talents to use their creativity to tackle sustainable development challenges. Through mentorship, connections, and funding, these innovators are transforming obstacles into opportunities and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.”
The
Creatives for Our Future programme continues to champion young leaders at the
forefront of sustainable innovation, offering them a platform to drive
meaningful change.