The Swarovski Foundation today launched the 2024 edition of the Creatives for Our Future programme. The programme, in partnership with the United Nations Office for Partnerships, is now accepting applications from young creatives from around the world, aged 21-30, with innovative ideas that have the potential to accelerate sustainable development.
This year, six successful applicants will receive €20,000 ($22,165) in financial support, as well as an educational programme in partnership with leading international institutions, tailored one-on-one mentorship and industry networking opportunities to advance their innovation and careers.
Applications will be accepted from 3 September 2024 until 15 October 2024 (23:59 BST) at www.sfcreatives.org. Successful applicants will be notified and publicly announced at United Nations Headquarters in New York in April 2025.
From fashion to art to engineering, the programme has supported 21 sustainable innovation projects since its launch in 2020, enabling beneficiaries to develop and scale their projects — either with funding to build on their research, or with mentorship and networking opportunities to explore new directions.
“The Swarovski Foundation’s mission is to promote sustainable livelihoods through education to reduce inequality. Through the Creatives for Our Future programme, we are able to harness this through young creative talents who want to break new ground and pioneer new approaches and ideas in sustainable development,” said Jakhya Rahman Corey, Director of the Swarovski Foundation.
“Having received over 1500 applications from 92 countries and supported 21 cohort members so far, it is clear that creativity has the power to solve global challenges and achieve sustainability goals. The Swarovski Foundation looks forward to welcoming this year’s applicants to turn their ideas into reality through access to education, resources, and a vital support network,” said Ms Corey.
Already flying the flag for the continent is Nigeria with two alumni and beneficiaries of the programme — Joshua Ichor and Stanley Aniogbogu.
Joshua Ichor developed a hand pump monitoring system and built a clean water kiosk for rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa. His efforts have increased community access to clean water, which is vital in regions where this basic necessity is lacking. His clean water kiosk has provided over 50,000 litres of clean water to community members, giving over 10,000 people in sub-Saharan Africa access to clean water every day.
Thanks to the Creatives for Our Future programme, Joshua has now been able to expand into Kenya and Uganda and hopes to install 50 new water monitoring systems by the end of the year.
Stanley Anigbogu’s inspiration came from the challenges he faced in his early years. Stanley regularly had to study by candlelight, which led to 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 to marginalised groups.
As part of the Creatives for Our Future programme, Stanley has built a local AVATAR station in Nigeria, a solar-powered hub made from recycled shipping containers. The station acts as a community hub, educating students and local residents about climate change and the benefits of renewable energy.
In addition, Stanley has now launched his own curriculum, the Eco Heroes programme. As well as teaching children about renewable energy, the programme includes mentoring from global sustainability experts and culminates in students undertaking projects that address real-world issues.
“Lack of access to energy is a huge problem, with candles and kerosene lamps often the only alternatives — a challenge I’ve experienced first-hand. The Creatives for Our Future programme has given me the support and resources I need to turn my vision of reducing emissions and inspiring change into a reality,” said Stanley.
He added: “The AVATAR Station, our solar-powered hub, is more than just a symbol of sustainable innovation; it’s a beacon of empowerment for marginalised communities and the next generation through our Eco Heroes programme. By combining education with action, we are empowering young people to effectively combat climate change.”
Annemarie Hou, Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Partnerships, said: “We need young talent, 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 towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Through the Creatives for Our Future programme, we are nurturing the next generation of leaders.”
For more information, or to apply, please visit www.sfcreatives.org.
Key programme dates
| Date | Events |
|---|---|
| 3 September 2024 | Applications open |
| 10 and 26 September 2024 | Webinars |
| Tuesday 10 September at 10am EDT / 3pm BST / 4pm CET | |
| Tuesday 10 September at 1pm PDT / 4pm EST / 9pm BST / 10pm CET | |
| Thursday 26 September at 9am EDT / 2pm BST / 3pm CET | |
| Thursday 26 September at 12pm PDT / 3pm EDT / 8pm BST / 9pm CET | |
| 15 October 2024 | Applications close |
| January 2025 | Cohort selected and notified |
| April 2025 | Cohort publicly announced in New York |
| May 2025 | Grants awarded, mentors paired and educational masterclasses begin |
| October 2025 | Mid-programme check-in and virtual roundtable with alumni |
| April 2026 | Online graduation |
About the Swarovski Foundation
Established in 2013, the Swarovski Foundation brings focus to Swarovski’s historic commitment to philanthropy by supporting charitable initiatives to achieve positive social and environmental impact while driving progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
Its mission is to promote sustainable livelihoods through education to reduce inequality by supporting initiatives focused on equity, water, and creativity through two signature programmes, Waterschool and Creatives for Our Future.
For more information, please visit www. swarovskifoundation.org
About Creatives for Our Future
Creatives for Our Future builds on the Swarovski Foundation’s commitment to fostering creative talent to drive positive change through collaborations that address social and environmental issues. The cornerstone of the Swarovski Foundation’s work is the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which in turn anchor Creatives for Our Future.
The programme leverages the Swarovski Foundation’s ability to combine investment and education with a network of stakeholders across borders and industries. It harnesses the unique critical thinking and problem-solving skills of young creatives at this pivotal time. Creative expression is a vehicle for evolution — not only of concepts and products, but also of changes in thinking and behaviour.
