Youth Foresight in Action: How Teach the Future’s NGFP-YV Awards are Shaping the Future of Sustainable Development

In a world grappling with complex challenges, from climate change to social inequality, the voices of youth to drive positive change has never been more crucial. The Next Generation Foresight Practitioner-Young Voices (NGFP-YV) Awards, a now four year collaborative initiative between Teach the Future and the School of International Futures, showcases the incredible projects and ideas of young minds around the world in shaping a sustainable future

At Teach the Future our mission is to help young people become more futures literate by teaching futures thinking skills to students and educators around the world and to inspire them to influence their futures. Our aspirations are that every student is prepared to navigate an uncertain world and is equipped with the tools to imagine and create their preferred future. Teach the Future is a network of worldwide educators, students, and advocates who are getting futures thinking into classrooms.

As we witness the surge of youth-led movements across the globe, from climate strikes to social entrepreneurship initiatives, it's clear that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow – they are the catalysts for change today. The NGFP-YV Awards provide a platform for these young visionaries, aged 12-17, to amplify their voices and turn their innovative ideas and projects into reality.

NGFP-YV Awards

Application details: “We know that very young people are doing great things to create a better future - and we would like to hear about them. The qualities we are looking for are curiosity about the changing world and the people around them. They have an interest in translating future-focussed ideas into action in service to their community. Young Voices applicants have a willingness to become an ambassador for futures and for sustainability. Youth applicants will tell us how a current project or an intended project will consider the well-being of others and the future of the planet.”

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.

Stories of Impact: 2023 NGFP-YV Award Winners

The projects recognized by the NGFP-YV Awards span a wide range of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), demonstrating the multifaceted approach young people are taking to address global challenges.

1. Literacy Champions - Uganda The first-place winners, Andrew Kiviiri, Daniella Nambalirwa, Christine Adikin, Annet Ajambo, and Joseline Kanyunyuzi from Uganda, developed Community Book Clinics to promote literacy at a community level. Their project demonstrates the power of grassroots initiatives in addressing educational challenges.

1. Design Your Future Footprint - In 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.

2. E-Cycle - In India Sahithi and Diya started a grassroots e-waste recycling and awareness initiative. E-Cycle represents the next generation's commitment to climate action and responsible consumption.

3. LadyUp - In Uzbekistan, Aynura international project aims to provide opportunities for girls to be empowered in STEM and programming. LadyUp addresses the critical need for gender equality in technology fields.

4. 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. Project Justice exemplifies how young people are taking on complex societal challenges.

Let's not forget 2022 and some of the recognized projects that year:

1. Yura Warmi - Peru (Winners) Nataly and Stefanie, two Peruvian Quechua students, developed Yura Warmi, a project that manufactures 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. Their project showcases how local resources can be used to solve pressing issues while promoting sustainability.

2. This Is Us - Pakistan (Runner-up) Tia, an A-Level student, founded 'This Is Us' in 2019 following a personal experience with sexual harassment. The organization aims to build confidence in young girls through leadership skills development and community building. Tia's initiative has impacted over 100 young girls and received recognition for its advocacy of the SDGs. Her work demonstrates how personal experiences can be channeled into powerful social change movements.

3. Kisumu Environmental Champions - Kenya (Runner-up) Rahmina, known as the Little Princess of Africa, founded Kisumu Environmental Champions at the age of five. Her project focuses on restoring the Lake Victoria Ecosystem through the campaign "LetLakeVictoriaBreathAgain." Rahmina's innovative approach involves using water hyacinth to create environmentally friendly products, contributing to both environmental conservation and economic opportunities.

4. Journalism for Kids - Pakistan (Runner-up) Zahwah, recognized as Pakistan's Youngest Journalist Entrepreneur, created "Journalism for Kids," the first initiative of its kind in the country. The project aims to empower children to express themselves, address issues they face in daily life, and promote solution journalism. Zahwah's work highlights the importance of giving young people a voice in media and social discourse.

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.

SDG Recognition: Addressing Global Goals

The NGFP-YV Awards also recognize projects that specifically target each of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Here are some standout examples:

• SDG 1 (No Poverty): Jade Brannon from the USA created the Grassroots Compost Project, sharing composting knowledge with families to create strong community roots.

• SDG 4 (Quality Education): Wendy Chen 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 Jani from India developed "Embracing Solar Energy," an initiative to enable communities worldwide to harness clean and sustainable solar energy.

• SDG 13 (Climate Action): Ekta Pathak, Aasba Ansari, and Payal Wagh 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 Templeman-Lilley 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 Young Voice Network

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.

Looking Ahead: NGFP-YV Awards 2024

The momentum continues to build, with the NGFP-YV Awards 2024 currently underway and breaking records yet again. This year has seen over 100 completed youth applications – a new high – and more than 400 young people engaged through the registration process. The growing interest is not limited to participants; over 80 professionals applied to be judges this year, also setting a new record.

This surge in participation reflects a growing recognition of the importance of youth voices in shaping our collective future. It also underscores the need for platforms like the NGFP-YV Awards that not only recognize young talent but also provide pathways for the implementation and scaling of youth-led solutions.

Challenges and Opportunities

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.

A Call to Action

The NGFP-YV Awards demonstrate the immense potential of youth to drive positive change. But realizing 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 voice 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, through futures literacy and 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 eagerly await the announcement of the 2024 NGFP-YV Awards winners, we can be certain that a new wave of inspiring projects and ideas will emerge. These young innovators, with their fresh perspectives and unwavering commitment to creating a better world, give us reason to be optimistic about the future.

* About the authors:

- Ms. Lisa Giuliani, Executive Director of Youth Foresight Projects, Teach the Future. She connects youth with internship and network opportunities. Seasoned in educational management, organizational development and building partnerships.

- Ms. Lourdes Rodriguez, Executive Director Hubs Network, Teach the Future. She also manages the Hub in Spain.

- Ms. Amna Habiba, Director of Technology and Young Voices Network, Teach the Future. She is passionate about Girls' Rights, UN Sustainable Development Goals & Literacy. She runs our Young Voices Network and builds our platform.