September can be a busy month with New York Fashion Week, UNGA, climate week and various other events that coincide in the most fruitful fashion for the benefit of humanity and our planet.
This September was unique indeed with in person meetings resuming at the United Nations, and the Swarovski Foundation ‘Creatives for Our Future’ grant reception that took place at the U.N. headquarters in New York City in mid-September.
Following a call for applications which attracted over 230 submissions from young creatives across 52 countries worldwide, the Swarovski Foundation, in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Partnerships, announced the latest cohort and advocates for the second year of its Creatives for Our Future program.
The six successful grant recipients were chosen for their groundbreaking ideas and innovative approaches, which offer new methods for addressing today’s challenges from social inequality, climate change, and unsustainable consumption and production. Their commitment to driving progress towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set out by the United Nations for a better world differentiated them. T
The successful recipients each received a €20,000 grant, paired with an educational program in collaboration with top institutions, tailored mentorship, and industry networking access with guidance from the Swarovski Foundation.
This high-level industry network engagement is the first of the program and offers a unique opportunity for the cohort to meet a community of likeminded individuals working within sustainable development who also create a positive impact in the world.
“This year’s interest from young talents worldwide on the Creatives for our Future program confirms the strong commitment from younger generations to use creativity and innovation to raise awareness and find solutions to drive sustainable development,” Swarovski Foundation Chair Marisa Schiestl-Swarovski said.
As the 77th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) concluded, there were key messages highlighted by UNGA President Csaba Kőrösi, who emphasized that there is agreement on the main challenges, and the need to “build on what unites us” and seek solutions through solidarity, sustainability, and science.
He stressed that humanity has entered a new era with complex challenges and multi-layered crises marking a “paradigm shift” accompanied by “significant transformations in the making.”
Kőrösi also spoke of the growing concern about shortages, inflation, refugees and nuclear safety.
On the challenge of climate change, Kőrösi blamed unsustainable patterns of production. Member states must act now and stronger than before to honor commitments towards a global net zero for climate justice.
Reiterating the importance of human rights, Kőrösi declared the need to modernize the UN to revitalize the General Assembly, and reform the Security Council to “reflect the realities of this century.”
As an observer to both events and reflecting on the statements of the UNGA president as well as those of the Swarovski Foundation Chairperson, I was struck at the urgency of it all. The time is now to transform education and give youth a seat at the table.
While the impetus towards growth, employment and climate action is imparted towards developing countries, it is also noteworthy that these countries contain the younger demographic who will need all the relevant education systems to be responsive to the needs of a broader economy.
Whether it is abating climate change, innovations in science and technology or advancements in fashion… the singularity of purpose is clear to not just make way but help guide and light the path which can be taken on by confidence by the youth.
It is only then that we will be able to reflect upon the realities of this century while affirming the importance to raise awareness and find solutions to drive sustainable development.
