MillerKnoll and MillerKnoll Foundation have partnered with The World Around as the Official Design Partner for the Young Climate Prize, a biannual mentorship and award program recognizing the most promising young designers, activists, and innovators under 25 tackling pressing environmental and social challenges. This year’s winners — visionaries from Algeria, Nigeria, and Bolivia — have been announced and will be honored at The World Around Summit 2025 at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in April. 

As part of this partnership, MillerKnoll’s Chief Creative and Product Officer, Ben Watson, served as a jury member alongside distinguished industry leaders. Amy Luthman, Senior Manager of Sustainable Product Design and Innovation, and Scott Massing, Senior Engineer of Product Development, were among the selected mentors of the 25 finalists. Additionally, Linda Brand, President of MillerKnoll Foundation and Sean McDowell, Senior Vice President of Innovation and Sustainability, each led a Design Academy session for the cohort. 

Meet the Winners 

This year’s Young Climate Prize recipients demonstrated ingenuity in addressing environmental and social issues within their communities: 

• Mohamed Salem Mohamed Ali (23, Algeria) — Developed The Nomad Garden, an experimental farm in Smara refugee camp, pioneering alternative agricultural techniques to combat food insecurity. 
• Blossom Eromosele (23, Nigeria) — Created sustainable, solar-powered modular housing for refugees using recycled tarpaulin and aluminum. Inspired by traditional African huts, the $120 units are locally produced and provide dignified, eco-friendly shelter while creating job opportunities and cultural connections for displaced communities.
• Amara Nwuneli (17, Nigeria) — Leads G.R.E.E.N., a youth-led initiative transforming underutilized land into an educational and environmental hub for climate activism. 
• Dayana Quiroga (23, Bolivia) — Employs indigenous ecological knowledge to rehabilitate the polluted Uru Uru Lake through phytoremediation techniques. 

“Our partnership with Young Climate Prize underscores MillerKnoll’s commitment to empowering youth in design,” said Ben Watson, Chief Creative and Product Officer at MillerKnoll. “These young leaders inspire us with their ingenuity, resilience, and commitment to creating positive change.” 

Linda Brand, President of MillerKnoll Foundation, added, “We believe in the power of design to drive meaningful change. By supporting the Young Climate Prize, we are investing in the next generation of innovators who are tackling the world’s most pressing environmental challenges with creativity and purpose. Their work is a testament to the impact young minds can have in shaping a more sustainable future." 

For more details on the Young Climate Prize and the finalists, click here. 

About The World Around 
Founded in 2020, The World Around is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making the newest and boldest ideas in architecture and design accessible to all, with a focus on sustainability and social justice. Through collaborations with international institutions, The World Around curates and commissions international conferences, events, and climate initiatives, including its flagship Annual Summit, itinerant In Focus programs, and the Young Climate Prize, all aimed at fostering dialogue and action towards a more sustainable and equitable future. 

About MillerKnoll Foundation 
MillerKnoll Foundation is dedicated to supporting communities through philanthropy, volunteerism, and partnerships that drive positive social and environmental impact. With a focus on equity, sustainability, and exposing youth to art & design, our Foundation strives to become a force for good in the communities where MillerKnoll associates live, work, and play. For more information, please visit our website.