In 2023, the NGFP-YV Awards saw a remarkable surge in participation, with over 450 passionate young people from more than 40 countries registering for the competition. This diverse pool of applicants brought forth a wealth of fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to tackle the world's most pressing issues. Still today, as we review the winners and notable projects we are filled with hope and inspiration for our next generation of leaders. Thank you all for coming with us on this journey to the future!
The projects recognized by the NGFP-YV Awards in 2023 span a wide range of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), demonstrating the multifaceted approach young people are taking to address global challenges. Let's explore some of the inspiring stories from recent award winners:
1. Literacy Champions (Uganda): The first-place winners in 2023, Andrew Daniella, Christine Adikin, Annet, and Joseline developed Community Book Clinics to promote literacy at a community level. In a recent update, Andrew shared, "This holiday, we welcomed 25 new young people as Literacy Champions, bringing our total to 30. We were able to reach over 120 children aged 2 to 12, helping them develop their literacy skills." This project showcases how a $1000 prize can have a significant impact when used thoughtfully and strategically.
2. Design Your Future Footprint (Peru): Luciana, Angel, and Andrea created a cost-free, in-person training program in Leadership and Design Thinking for public schools in Puente Piedra, Lima. This initiative bridges the gap between education and practical skills needed for the future job market.
3. E-Cycle (India): Sahithi and Diya started a grassroots e-waste recycling and awareness initiative, representing the next generation's commitment to climate action and responsible consumption.
4. LadyUp (Uzbekistan): Aynura's international project aims to provide opportunities for girls to be empowered in STEM and programming, addressing the critical need for gender equality in technology fields.
5. Project Justice (Republic of Korea): Claire's initiative aims to fight social apathy and ignorance by tackling social issues through youth advocacy and global leadership.
These examples represent just a fraction of the incredible ideas brought forth by young participants. What sets these projects apart is not just their innovative approach to addressing SDGs, but also their emphasis on local context and community involvement
Looking back at 2022, we see equally inspiring projects:
- Yura Warmi (Peru): Winners Nataly and Stefanie, two Peruvian Quechua students, developed a project manufacturing feminine sanitary pads using bioplastic made from banana peels. This innovative solution addresses multiple SDGs, including Good Health and Well-being, Quality Education, Reducing Inequalities, and Climate Action.
- This Is Us (Pakistan): Runner-up Tia founded this organisation to build confidence in young girls through leadership skills development and community building. Her initiative has impacted over 100 young girls and received recognition for its advocacy of the SDGs.
- Kisumu Environmental Champions (Kenya): Runner-up Rahmina, known as the Little Princess of Africa, founded this project at the age of five, focusing on restoring the Lake Victoria Ecosystem through the campaign "LetLakeVictoriaBreathAgain."
- Journalism for Kids (Pakistan): Runner-up Zahwah created the first initiative of its kind in the country, aiming to empower children to express themselves and promote solution journalism.
The focus of these projects and the scope of changes proposed and implemented led us in in 2023 to add recognition for projects that in particular support the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals—we want to share as much of this engaged work as we can, and consider these recognition awards vital to supporting the advancement of sustainability objectives.
We can’t wait to see what comes next! Stay tuned for the 2024 NGFP-YV award announcements, along with the recognition of 17 applicants for their SDG projects.
Thank you for your support. Please watch for news on social media and if you like what you see, kindly consider a donation to help us keep our work on futures literacy growing.
Best regards,
Lisa Giuliani
Youth Foresight Project Director
Amna Habiba
Youth Innovation & Technology Director
Reference list entry:
UN SDG:Learn. (2024, February 22). Youth foresight in action: How Teach the Future's NGFP-YV Awards are shaping the future of sustainable development. https://www.unsdglearn.org/blog/youth-foresight-in-action-how-teach-the-futures-ngfp-yv-awards-are-shaping-the-future-of-sustainable-development/