The Swarovski Foundation, an international non-government organisation focused on promoting sustainability, is seeking new leaders in sustainability through its "The Creatives for Our Future" programme and each of the winners will be awarded a €20,000 (N35 million) grant to pursue their stated business dream.

The application process, which has already opened, will be on until October 15, 2024.

The programme is run by the Swarovski Foundation in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Partnership, a statement by Swarovski said on Tuesday.

The programme is open to young creatives worldwide, within the 21 to 30 years age bracket, and extends to a multitude of disciplines, including fashion, design, art, architecture, and engineering. Successful applicants are expected to be already working on an "Original project or product that uses the creative process to drive awareness, technology or solutions for sustainable development and drives progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals set out by the United Nations".

The programme has, to date, supported 21 projects in innovative design, founded and initiated by young creatives, who have ground-breaking ideas for addressing the world's sustainability and development challenges.

Jakhya Rahman-Corey, the Director of the Swarovski Foundation said: "We are excited to open applications to the Swarovski Foundation Creatives for Our Future programme and nurture the next generation of inspiring talent", adding that "creativity has the power to solve global challenges and achieve sustainability goals."

The Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Partnerships, Annemarie Hou, noted that: "We need young talents, from fashion to engineering, to use their creativity to tackle sustainable development challenges."