2026 Finalist – Foluke Michael
Harnessing Creativity, Sustainability and Youth Leadership to Shape a Global Future
What happens when creativity, science and social purpose converge in one visionary leader? For Foluke Michael, the answer is a global movement empowering young people, especially girls and young women, to become architects of a more sustainable and equitable world.
A Nigerian-born social innovator based in Milan, Foluke Michael is the Founder of the Creative Youth Community Development Initiative (CYCDI) and a globally recognised leader working at the intersection of sustainability, creative development, youth empowerment and international cooperation. Her work spans Africa, Europe and the wider global development community, inspiring thousands of young people to see themselves not as passive observers of global challenges, but as active creators of solutions.
Foluke’s impact has earned recognition at the highest levels.
Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka described her as “extremely rare… someone of her generation, and of the female gender additionally, who comfortably straddles both the scientific disciplines and the Humanities.”
This rare ability to merge analytical thinking with creativity defines Foluke’s distinctive approach to leadership and innovation.
Central to her work is Solution17, an initiative she founded to help young people address local and global challenges using the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework for action. The initiative has been recognised twice by the United Nations as an exemplary model of SDG implementation, demonstrating how education, creativity and community engagement can drive real-world solutions.
Foluke’s passion for youth empowerment also led to the creation of Corruption Busters, a creative development programme that teaches ethics and integrity through storytelling, design and youth engagement.
The project was recognised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) as part of its global Education for Justice initiative, helping promote a culture of integrity among young people worldwide.
Her innovative work has received international acclaim, including the prestigious United Nations SDG Action Award (Innovator) and the University of Salford Alumni Achievement Award, recognising her outstanding global impact and leadership.
A pioneer in the field of Art for Social Good, Foluke has consistently used creative expression as a powerful tool for social transformation. In 2020, her Art for Climate Change initiative was launched by UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, using art, storytelling and culture to inspire climate awareness and mobilise young people to take action.
Building on this momentum, Foluke collaborated with international partners including the United Nations, the Italian Consulate in Lagos, the German Consulate General and the British Deputy High Commission to deliver the COP26 Art for Climate Change Global Exhibition, the first virtual climate gallery in Lagos. The exhibition brought together artists, innovators and young changemakers to explore creative solutions to the climate crisis.
Her work continues to evolve. Through ARTNOVATION, a tech-driven creative initiative developed in partnership with New York University Abu Dhabi, Foluke and her collaborators produced 17 climate solutions and 17 artworks, which were showcased at COP28 in Dubai, demonstrating the power of creativity to inspire environmental innovation.
Foluke will be sharing her story at the 34th annual Inspiring Women awards on 15th May 2026 at The Lowry Hotel. More details here.