At Mobile World Congress, smartphone manufacturer vivo and the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme announced the launch of “Capture the Future: Global Youth Storytelling Initiative for People and Nature”. The program is designed to encourage young creators from around the world to use mobile imaging to document the connection between human communities and the natural environment. Through the initiative, both organizations aim to strengthen awareness of sustainable development and promote storytelling that reflects the relationship between society, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
Mobile imaging technology has become an increasingly influential medium for observation, communication, and social participation. Young creators are now using smartphone cameras to highlight environmental and social issues, creating visual narratives that resonate across cultures and communities. Vivo has invested heavily in imaging innovation and has supported creators who use visual storytelling to explore real world challenges. The collaboration with UNESCO builds on this approach by providing a platform where youth can document environmental stories and contribute to a broader global dialogue about sustainability. UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, which function as living laboratories for ecological conservation and community development, will serve as important reference points for this storytelling effort. These sites combine biodiversity protection with sustainable economic and social practices, offering young participants opportunities to showcase practical examples of balanced development.
According to Yu Meng, Vice President of Imaging at vivo, the partnership reflects the belief that technology should support people and contribute to society in meaningful ways. He stated that the collaboration seeks to transform professional mobile imaging capabilities into practical tools for young creators who want to document biodiversity and community resilience. The initiative also aims to encourage young storytellers to observe their surroundings more closely and present their perspectives through photography and visual narratives. Prof. Antonio De Sousa Abreu, Director of the Division of Ecological and Earth Sciences at UNESCO, highlighted that youth play a central role in advancing sustainable development. He noted that their creativity and outlook can help communicate the significance of environmental protection and sustainable living, while the partnership provides a global platform where visual storytelling can amplify these messages and connect them with international audiences.
The initiative begins with a global call for submissions through UNESCO youth networks from March to May. Participants are invited to submit visual storytelling projects that explore themes such as biodiversity, climate resilience, cultural heritage, and sustainable innovation. Selected winners will be invited to participate in a Global Youth Visual Storytelling Co Creation Camp at biosphere reserves in Europe. During this experience, young creators will work with mentors to refine their narratives and explore how storytelling can strengthen understanding of the connection between people and nature. To support participants, the program will introduce a dual mentor system consisting of imaging specialists from vivo and sustainability experts from UNESCO. Workshops and training sessions in different regions will also help participants improve their storytelling techniques and deepen their understanding of environmental issues.
The collaboration between vivo and UNESCO is intended to encourage youth participation in documenting sustainable practices and ecological challenges through the lens of mobile technology. By combining smartphone imaging capabilities with educational and environmental expertise, the program seeks to expand opportunities for young storytellers to share their perspectives with global audiences. The visual stories produced through this initiative are expected to highlight the importance of biosphere reserves, promote awareness of sustainable development goals, and demonstrate how communities and ecosystems can coexist in balanced and resilient ways.
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