Young Voices for a Sustainable Future: The Impact of JA and BASF’s Global Partnership

September 15, 2025

Over the past three years, BASF’s partnership with JA has equipped young people with the skills, confidence, and creativity to tackle the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges. Together, we’ve reached more than 3,900 students with over 400 volunteers across 15 JA locations, building a powerful movement of youth who are shaping a greener tomorrow.

A Global Platform for Youth Innovation

Through the Young Voices for a Sustainable Future initiative, students explored real-world issues, including renewable energy, food security, water scarcity, fashion waste, and plastic pollution, while developing practical, locally relevant solutions. From compost-powered gardens in Uruguay to biodegradable mulch films in the Philippines, each project reflected a mix of creativity, technical knowledge, and community impact.

Student Impact

Post-program survey results show measurable transformation in students:

  • Participants demonstrated a 46% increase in knowledge of climate change, Just Transition, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

  • More than 69% of students reported stronger problem-solving and planning skills, while others noted increased self-confidence and a clearer long-term vision for their future.

  • Youth involved were three times more likely to set and achieve personal goals compared to peers.

Students themselves best express this impact:

  • “Thanks to Desafío Innova, I discovered that I can contribute real solutions to my community. Working in a team with my classmates and having the support of volunteers made me feel capable and heard.” —Student, JA México

  • “The app development time was incredible because it exceeded my expectations. Before, I had no idea how or where to even begin creating apps . . . ECOCLEY can transform the situation for the residents of Belém for the better, and being at the forefront of this change is a unique experience.” —Student, JA Brazil

  • “We believe that change doesn’t have to wait. We’re taking action now, creating a better future through business solutions that serve both the environment and our communities.” —Student, JA Thailand

  • “It was very nice to compete in this space and go through challenges with my teammates. The activities made us think and have more clarity about what our project was about and why we were doing it.” —Student, JA Uruguay

Volunteer Engagement

BASF mentors played a vital role, with over 90 volunteers engaged in Year 3 alone. Their guidance bridged classroom concepts with industry expertise, giving students invaluable exposure to sustainable business practices. One BASF volunteer reflected, “It’s truly inspiring to see young generations transforming climate challenges into sustainable business models—reviving existing resources, empowering local communities, and proving that meaningful change is already underway.”

Innovation in Action: Student-Led Solutions

  • Brazil: ECOCLEY mobile app promoted recycling, composting, and creative reuse.

  • Mexico: ReAgua filtration system reduced school water use by 20%.

  • Nigeria: KBLOOM organic fertilizer boosted food security with eco-friendly farming.

  • Philippines: Panubli created biodegradable mulch films from natural fibers.

  • Thailand: Going Green Cacao turned downgraded cocoa into cattle feed to reduce methane emissions.

  • Uruguay: Villa García Sustentable combined a solar-powered irrigation system with composting to supply fresh produce.

  • UAE: SURE upcycled returned clothing into a circular fashion model

Building a Sustainable Future

The JA–BASF partnership proves that when young people are given the tools, mentorship, and opportunities, they don’t just learn about sustainability—they lead it. By nurturing creativity, fostering innovation, and amplifying youth voices, this collaboration is shaping future leaders who are already making a difference in their communities.

Learn more about this powerful partnership and read the Year 3 report at jaworldwide.org/basf.

JA Worldwide