2024.07.08
Initiatives by the Swarovski Foundation to Discover & Nurture Young Creators & Support Sustainable Opportunities
In recent years, especially for major fashion companies, making sustainability efforts a key statement has become essential to engage fans. The term sustainability encompasses a broad range of areas, including product manufacturing processes, materials used in production, staffing, and services. Large companies, with their extensive resources, can pursue sustainability from various angles, and the famous crystal brand "Swarovski" has been a pioneer in eco-friendly initiatives since its establishment in 1895.
The brand's founder, Daniel Swarovski, utilized renewable local hydropower in his patented grinding process and established a crystal-cutting factory in Austria. Since its inception, Swarovski has committed to sustainable practices and continues to uphold this mission today.
This article focuses on the project "CREATIVES FOR OUR FUTURE," which seeks to discover and support young creators engaged in sustainable research. This initiative is a collaboration between the Swarovski Foundation and the United Nations Partnership Office. We spoke with the director of the Swarovski Foundation, Jakhya Rahman-Corey, about their efforts.
PROFILE
Jakhya Rahman-Corey
Swarovski Foundation Director
The Foundation Inspired by the Founder’s Philanthropy
Tell us about the timing and significance of establishing the Swarovski Foundation.
Established in 2013, the Swarovski Foundation is inspired by the long history of philanthropy initiated by founder Daniel Swarovski. He believed that "to achieve sustainable transformation, you must think of others, not just yourself."Daniel not only established a factory in Wattens, Austria, using renewable energy, but also made significant contributions to the welfare of local communities. He supported various activities such as orchestras, cycling clubs, sports and leisure centers, and summer camps for employees' children. Additionally, motivated by his wife Marie’s passion for education and innovative creativity, they donated land for new school construction and provided scholarships to talented students from low-income families.
The Swarovski Foundation is a UK-registered charity governed by a board of trustees, chaired by Marisa Schiestl-Swarovski.
Our mission is to promote sustainable living through education and reduce inequality. We lead activities focused on equality, water, and creativity through our two unique programs, "Waterschool" and "CREATIVES FOR OUR FUTURE."
Could you tell us more specifically about the missions and activities of the Swarovski Foundation?
Currently, the Swarovski Foundation focuses on supporting three main areas: "equality," "water," and "creativity." We concentrate on programs like "Waterschool" and "CREATIVES FOR OUR FUTURE," which educate the younger generation on the importance of water and the environment.Since its establishment, the Swarovski Foundation has impacted over two million people in 93 countries through 85 partnerships, striving to achieve the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
"Waterschool" is an educational program for young people aged 8 to 18, providing them with the tools, resources, and training needed to address community water needs, thus becoming water ambassadors. Operating in eight countries, including Australia, Austria, Brazil, China, India, Thailand, Uganda, and the United States, "Waterschool" has educated over 800,000 children across 2,500 schools worldwide and built relationships with more than 23,000 teachers across the globe.
"CREATIVES FOR OUR FUTURE" is a global grant program developed in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Partnerships. Its mission is to support the next generation of creative talents in developing innovative approaches to global sustainability challenges.
We also provide grants to philanthropic organizations around the world that are active in the priority areas of "Equity," "Water," and "Creativity."
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