The Swarovski Foundation, in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Partnerships, is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the Creatives for Our Future programme. This initiative seeks to identify and support emerging creative leaders from India and around the world who are innovating in sustainability. Applications will be accepted until October 16, 2024.
The Creatives for Our Future programme offers a unique opportunity for young creatives, aged 21 to 30, from diverse disciplines such as fashion, design, art, architecture, and engineering. Participants must be working on original projects or products that use creativity to advance sustainable development and address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Since its inception, the programme has supported 21 innovative projects led by young creatives tackling pressing global challenges. These projects have benefited from both financial support and mentorship, enabling participants to refine their ideas and expand their impact.
Previous winners say the programme is crucial to their success:
Gunraagh, an Indian architect and urban practitioner, has developed Dumpcrete – an upcycled construction solution using legacy wastes like construction debris. This innovation aims to address sustainable waste management, offering a circular construction alternative. Collaborating with organizations like Ramboll and UNDP, Gunraagh is refining Dumpcrete for wider adoption, transforming urban waste practices for a more resilient future.
Of his experience as part of the Creatives for Our Future 2023 cohort, Gunraagh said: “Through the Swarovski Foundation Creatives for Our Future programme, I’ve been able to reach out to global organisations and unlock relationships which will put Dumpcrete on the path to expanding its technology. By reaching more communities in the Global South, we hope to literally pave the way for cleaner, more resilient urban environments.”
Sejal created Gaia, a tool for menstrual hygiene management. With Gaia, users can conveniently store and handle sanitary products, particularly in challenging environments like military and rural areas. Through the Creatives for Our Future program, Sejal collaborated with others to raise awareness about women’s health and menstruation by developing an educational kit named Menstrupedia. She is enhancing Gaia to include an incinerator for soldiers and to make it suitable for astronauts in space.
Sejal said, “The grant from the Swarovski Foundation allowed me to test Gaia without boundaries and develop its first iteration, as well as expand my thinking into additional collaborations with my fellow cohort members. The Masterclass sessions were also indispensable to my self-development and encouraged me to think about sustainability through different creative mediums. I now hope to distribute Gaia to rural communities in India and across Africa.”
Jakhya Rahman-Corey, Director of the Swarovski Foundation said:
“Now in its fourth year, we are excited to open applications to the Swarovski Foundation Creatives for Our Future programme and nurture the next generation of inspiring talent from India and globally.
“The Swarovski Foundation’s mission is to promote sustainable livelihoods through education to reduce inequality. With the Creatives for Our Future programme, we can harness this through young creative talent seeking to break innovative ground and spearhead new approaches and ideas in sustainable development.
“Having so far received more than 1500 applications from 92 countries, and supported 21 cohort members, it showcases 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”.
Annemarie Hou, Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Partnerships states: “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.”
This year, six successful applicants will each receive €20,000 and participate in an education program with top institutions. They will also benefit from personalized mentorship and industry networking to advance their innovation and careers.
Entries for this year’s programme are open from the 3rd September 2024 until 16th October 2024 (4.29 am IST) at www.sfcreatives.org. Successful applicants will be notified and announced publicly in April 2025 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
