Over the past four years, each year, the Next Generation Foresight Practitioners -Young Voices team sees inspiring work promoting the very best type of social change, led by youth in their unique communities across the globe. In 2023, for the first time we chose to recognize entries that were especially notable for their support of one the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Starting in 2023, the NGFP-YV Awards recognize projects that specifically target each of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Some standout examples include:
- SDG 1 (No Poverty): Jade from the USA created the Grassroots Compost Project, sharing composting knowledge with families to create strong community roots.
- SDG 4 (Quality Education): Wendy from New Zealand focused on equality in education for the disabled through the New Zealand Blind Society project.
- SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): Maharsh from India developed "Embracing Solar Energy," an initiative to enable communities worldwide to harness clean and sustainable solar energy.
- SDG 13 (Climate Action): Ekta Aasba, and Payal from India launched "Climate Warriors" to raise awareness about climate change and promote fashion sustainability among young leaders.
- SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions): Arthur from the UK created "Future Youth Impact" to empower young people to understand and access their rights under the UNCRC.
These projects demonstrate the breadth and depth of youth engagement across all aspects of sustainable development, from environmental conservation to social justice and economic empowerment.
The impact of the NGFP-YV Awards extends far beyond the recognition of individual projects. By providing a platform for young voices, the awards create a ripple effect of inspiration and action. Winners and finalists become ambassadors for change in their communities, inspiring their peers and demonstrating the tangible impact of youth-led initiatives.
The awards process itself serves as a learning journey for participants. Through the application process, young innovators refine their ideas, develop presentation skills, and gain exposure to the broader landscape of sustainable development. The feedback from expert judges provides valuable insights that help participants evolve their projects and thinking.
While the success of the NGFP-YV Awards is evident, it also highlights some challenges in youth engagement for sustainable development:
1. Bridging the gap between recognition and implementation: How can we ensure that brilliant ideas don't just remain on paper but are given the resources and support to become reality?
2. Inclusivity and accessibility: While participation is diverse, how can we further break down barriers to ensure that young people from all backgrounds have the opportunity to contribute their ideas?
3. Integrating youth voices into policy-making: Recognition is a crucial first step, but how can we create more pathways for young leaders to influence decision-making processes at local, national, and global levels?
These challenges present opportunities for further innovation in how we engage and empower youth in sustainable development efforts.
The NGFP-YV Awards demonstrate the immense potential of youth to drive positive change. But realising this potential requires a collective effort. Here's how different stakeholders can contribute:
- For educators: Integrate futures thinking and sustainable development into curricula, encouraging students to apply their learning to real-world challenges.
- For policy-makers: Create meaningful opportunities for youth participation in decision-making processes and support the implementation of youth-led initiatives.
- For businesses: Partner with young innovators, providing mentorship, resources, and platforms to scale impactful solutions.
- For young people: Embrace your power as changemakers. Seek out opportunities like the NGFP-YV Awards to amplify your ideas and connect with a global community of like-minded innovators.
The path to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals is complex, but the creativity, passion, and fresh perspectives of young people offer hope and innovative solutions. Initiatives like the NGFP-YV Awards play a crucial role in harnessing this potential, creating a pipeline of future leaders equipped with the foresight and skills to navigate the challenges of sustainable development.
As we look forward to the outcomes of the 2024 NGFP-YV Awards, we are reminded that the future is not something that simply happens to us – it's something we actively shape. Through the dedication and innovative spirit of these young changemakers, we can envision a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous world for all. The NGFP-YV Awards are not just recognizing ideas; they're nurturing the seeds of global transformation.
Please help us keep shaping the future! Follow us on social media and consider a donation to help fund this work, encouraging, developing and supporting future leaders.
Appreciatively,
Lisa Giuliani
Youth Foresight Project Director
Amna Habiba
Youth Innovation & Technology Director
NGFP-YV 2023 First Place Winners
Andrew Kiviiri, Daniella Nambalirwa, Christine Adikin, Annet Ajambo, & Joseline Kanyunyuzi
Uganda
Project: Community Book Clinics: Literacy Champions promoting literacy at a community level in Uganda
SDG 4
NGFP- YV 2023 Runner-up:
Sahithi Radha & Diya Loka
India
Project: E-Cycle: grassroots e-waste recycling and awareness initiative started by two teenage girls, a true vehicle of the next generation's climate action movement.
SDG 11,12,14
NGFP-YV 2023 SDG Recognition Award
Guilherme Burity, Valentina Valcarce, Giovanna Miranda, Thais Neves
Paraguay
Project: Impakto: an international community that takes positive action for the environment and society. Our volunteering activities are intended to guide people on how they can help others, promoting a feeling of empathy and service.
SDG 17
NGFP-YV 2022 First Place Winners
Nataly & Stefanie
Peru
Project: Yura Warmi proposes the manufacture of feminine sanitary pads with a bioplastic based on banana peel. Achieving work on the SDGs from Good health and well-being, Quality education, Reducing inequalities to Climate action.
SDG: 3,4,10, 13
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/