50 Trailblazing Creatives And Young Activists From Across The Globe Share Their Hopes For The Future

Nialah Edari, 25 (left) and Chelsea Miller, 23 (right), co-founders of Freedom March NYC, New York, US

NE: “I feel motivated and inspired by all those who are taking action globally against systemic racism and police brutality. This is the first time there’s been a civil rights movement and a pandemic happening simultaneously. I know there is a risk every time I step out for a protest or action, but as [Black Panther activist] Assata Shakur said, ‘It is our duty to fight for our freedom, it is our duty to win. We must love each other and support each other. We have nothing to lose but our chains.’”

CM: “As a black woman in America, I am pushing for change so that future generations can not only survive, but thrive in that better tomorrow. In doing so, I feel empowered and hopeful. I am most hopeful for a global shift in how we understand the power of our collective voices.”

Yomi Adegoke, 28, journalist and author, London, UK

“I feel most hopeful about the future, full stop. The minds of tomorrow, a generation that has the ability to affect meaningful change in every conceivable sphere without even leaving their rooms. The grip of gatekeepers on the creative industries loosens everyday and people are able to tell their own stories, on their own terms.”

Maggie Menghan Chen, 21, artist, Beijing, China

“I am excited for the world to learn more about the power of the mind and spirit. People have started to be more introspective rather than constantly seeking rewards from the outside. We are all on a quest of self-discovery, and it is crucial to seek inward for satisfaction.”

Eni Subair, 27, journalist, London, UK

“I’m most hopeful about the generation that will come after me. I see acts of bravery and change being actioned through close family and online, which gives me a semblance of hope. I’d also like to hope that the current climate is causing a permanent shift, as long as action is being taken and people are willing to do the work.”

YiHao, 20, drag performer, makeup artist and stylist, Shanghai, China

“I hope the world’s purveyors of culture can put aside certain ideological prejudices and communicate and collaborate with each other sincerely. As a member of generation globalisation, I am deeply aware that when people erect high walls in their hearts, they miss out on so many sincere and beautiful experiences and feelings. I also hope that vaccines for coronavirus and Aids are developed soon, needless to say why.”

Napasorn Setasartitt, 20, dancer, Bangkok, Thailand

“I am most hopeful about kindness in humans and more awareness [about] the world because at the end of the day, we rely on each other.”

Se Rim Lee (top) and Se Yeon Lee (below), both 24, founders of Chunky, Seoul, South Korea

“Due to the pandemic, we have realised that people can’t live alone, since we are always influenced by each other. We believe being considerate with each other will help us fight through these hard times and lead us to a better future.”

Goom Heo, 29, designer, London, UK

“This is a great chance to appreciate the things that we have and all that we can do. What’s hopeful about the future is ourselves; we can be more positive and appreciate things we never thought of before.”

Bianca Saunders, 27, menswear designer, London, UK

“My most positive actions are using my visibility and voicing my opinion to be able to change the space of British fashion. I [have] noticed how important my visibility is within this industry, whether it is being a woman designing menswear or being a black woman who is a luxury designer.”

Lia Lia, 21, musician, Berlin, Germany

“Even though we’re all disconnected in so many ways, we’re all going through this collective experience together. With less distraction on our hands, we have to face our true selves and battle our inner demons. After that, I hope we’ll be able to develop deeper connections to find a more empathetic and authentic way to understand each other.”

Janek Marek, 21, model, Warsaw, Poland

“My hopes are that the present shift towards zero waste, ethical and green business ventures, reduction of meat consumption, as well as the moderation of [the] gratuitous production of fast fashion and the use of plastic materials continues and sways more and more people. It really is a matter of survival; not only ours, but our kids and grandkids, as well as millions of other living beings that we share our Earth with.”

Nyaluak M Leth, 23, model, poet, student and activist, Brisbane, Australia

“My hope lies within the next generation, and the ones that follow them. Personally, for me, coming from South Sudan, a country just beginning to find its own feet, I wish to see the next generation of South Sudanese aspire to be at the top of their chosen field of work or education.”

Haru, 25, magazine editor, Tokyo, Japan

“It’s slowly becoming a normal thing to talk about politics and other issues in Japan. I know it’s a very small change in comparison with other countries, but it’s a big evolution for us Japanese people. I can see hope in small communities of young generations who are trying to stand up to make a better world.”

Moufidatou Moumouni, 19, influencer, Milan, Italy

“In the society in which I live, I don’t see many Muslim women [wearing] the veil who work in fashion and beauty. I hope to become one of the many capable of breaking through in these areas without being judged by my veil.”

Amity Miyabi, 18, model, illustrator and student, Tokyo, Japan

“Because I want to see a future where LGBTQ+ kids can grow up openly and confidently as themselves, I want to set an example by being outspoken about my identity as a queer youth in Japan, showing what a positive and freeing experience it can be — even if it is not always easy in the current world.”

Nella Ngingo, 27, model, photographer and community organiser, Amsterdam, the Netherlands

“It feels like as a society, we are going through a major shift. We are seeing an uprising of black and POC with the Black Lives Matter movement finally getting momentum. The youth is loud and ready for change; we have a very long way to go but it feels like the moment is now.”

Suzie Wadee, 25, housewife and mother, Bangkok, Thailand

“I’m hoping for every society in the world to be more accepting and give opportunities to different types of people. I believe this can lead to new and good things for the future.”

Memu Conteh, 24, model and writer, Sydney, Australia

“I’m most hopeful about the education that will come out of 2020; that schools will start changing whitewashed history books to portray facts; that black representation won’t just be a trend on social media; [for people] to acknowledge the blackness in all walks of our culture and society so black children can look at themselves and see greatness.”

Dasom-Park, 26, model and designer, Seoul, South Korea

“Instead of spending time arguing about what has already happened, we should focus our brains on helping everyone work together for a better future. It is time for everyone to cooperate and unite.”

Yadichinma Ukoha-Kalu, 25, multi-disciplinary artist and graphic designer, Lagos, Nigeria

“I’m hopeful about meaningful possibilities. I’ve been thinking a lot about the potential we intrinsically possess; the potential that has transformed imagined worlds into reality. I really do believe in that strength.”

Pia, 23, law student, Madrid, Spain

“I am most hopeful for a change in the human perspective: a more kind and understanding vision. Tough times are ones to appreciate what you have, including the small gestures like how you treat and think about others. I am hopeful that over time, we will leave this fear of being judged behind and instead unite, despite our differences.”

Danielle Vitalis, 29, actor and creator, London, UK

“I’m hopeful that as a human race we can become more empathetic, and that people don’t need an injustice to happen directly to them for them to feel something and be moved to action. Empathy plus action are necessities for progression.”

Joon Park, 24, strategist, New York City, US

“As a trans person of colour who struggles to breathe every time I read another headline demonstrating how disposable trans lives are, I often find myself operating in a survival mindset. However, in light of the social transformation sweeping our country, I have a newfound understanding that another critical pillar of survival is collectivism. People are realising that we ​must​ depend on each other to survive.”

Henriqueta Mendes, 24, model and student, Milan, Italy

“I hope for more diversity and less hypocrisy in the world. I hope people will respect, support and cooperate with each other to fight racial and social problems. Diversity is beautiful and I hope to see more inclusion.”

Angelina, 24, actor, Moscow, Russia

“I always try to stick to the rule that if you want to change something, you should start with yourself. When we take care of each other, leave any kind of prejudice behind, feel free, loved and supported — the world will become a better place.”

Lena Dąbska, 18, student, Warsaw, Poland

“Every time I see someone changing for good, thinking and caring about the climate, other people and themselves more, I am happier and have more hope for the world. This is the only world we have and we have to care about it!”

Xiao Jie, 24, digital editor, Shanghai, China

“The future is going in the direction of unity and love. Under the influence of this major disaster [the Covid-19 pandemic], the negative aspects of human nature have been exposed to the greatest extent, which makes us want to change it.”

Timur, 20, model, Moscow, Russia

“I see a new generation of creators who are trying to make this world more fair and simple, who will help us to live without fears and prejudices. Our future will be set by our present; most important is figuring out what we have to do for ourselves at the moment.”

Kurt Johnson, 27, stylist and art director, Sydney, Australia

“We know that the revolution is not only possible, it’s imminent. We are on the precipice of a new world where the oppressive systems of colonialism and the patriarchy are being interrogated. We are thinking about how we can rebuild the world into one of equity and equality. We must respect and fight for everyone.”

Matilda Kindima Bah, 23, model and student, Berlin, Germany

“For me, the future is all about community. The challenges of this year [have] required people to get together to protest, to help each other out with food and other supplies, to stay sane — even if it’s just a video group chat.”

Iza Moreira, 19, model and actor, São Paulo, Brazil

“[I am hopeful of] people becoming more empathetic, tolerant and respectful of each other and that we can be more aware of reality.”

Bysanz Baisen Zhou, 23, fashion designer, stylist and CGI artist, Shanghai, China

“Working at home during the global pandemic, I realised the way we used to work is not 100 per cent necessary. Since the beginning of the Covid-19 situation, I have been paying more attention to the impact of industrial production. When I design a product and [speak to] the manufacturer, [I] ask them to [create] a better process to reduce pollution.”

Tonatihu Saguila, 24, dancer, Mexico City, Mexico

“My hope for the future is a more empathetic population with an openness to new realities. I know this may be possible because of the attitudes I have seen on social media, where people have stood up against racism, global pollution and the violation of human rights. Positive change can be made for the world and for ourselves.”

Fahd Bello, 22, artist and skateboarder, Lagos, Nigeria

“I’m hoping my art finally reaches a wider audience. With the help of my friends, we created a collective called ITER [journey] to help young creatives. We also plan on changing how the world sees Africa through art and lifestyle, while having fun in the process.

Anna Slonikova, 25, stylist and art director, Moscow, Russia

“I want us to become better inhabitants for our planet than we are now, but still leave each other the right to make mistakes. That is my greatest hope.”