As the world continues to wrestle with crises, these stories remind us how progress, innovation, and human kindness still find ways to shine through.
Here are several uplifting developments from around the globe this past week:
1. Girls in Suriname Seized STEM Opportunity
In Suriname’s Nickerie district, a program called STEM Her Way, backed by UNESCO and local partners, brought together girls aged 12–18—many from rural and Indigenous communities—and offered them immersive, hands-on exposure to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
They didn’t just learn theory: they coded, did robotics, and tackled creative storytelling and leadership workshops.
By connecting participants with female role models in ICT fields, the initiative made visible something too often hidden: that girls have both interest and capability when given equitable access.
Why it matters: It’s not just about technology—it’s about confidence, representation, and building pathways where none existed. For these girls, the future just expanded.
2. IKEA’s Incoming CEO Doubling Down On Sustainability
IKEA’s major franchisee, Ingka Group, is set for a leadership transition that signals continuity in sustainable values. The incoming CEO, Juvencio Maeztu, has a track record of driving green initiatives.
He oversaw projects like IKEA Greenwich in the UK—arguably one of its most sustainable stores with rooftop solar, ground-source heat, rainwater harvesting, and other planet-friendly design features.
Since 2016, Ingka has reduced emissions by over 24.3% and has committed to renewable energy sourcing across operations.
Why it matters: Big brand leadership can make a difference. When major corporations commit to sustainability not just in speech but with infrastructure, regulation, and delivery, the impact ripples far—affecting supply chains, job markets, and consumer expectations.
3. UK Youth Choosing Green Careers
A survey of over 2,000 UK school leavers revealed an encouraging trend: a significant number of them want to jump straight into green jobs rather than pursue traditional university paths. About 34% don’t plan to attend university, and many in that group cited roles in sustainable construction, nature conservation, and other climate-positive fields as being very attractive.
Many of them see this as not only an opportunity but also an urgent responsibility. With climate anxiety rising globally, this generation wants work that matters—and is willing to act accordingly.
4. Green Mortgages & Housing Guidance in the UK
In the UK, a new roadmap from the Green Finance Institute and other collaborators has launched green mortgage guidance—to make energy-efficient homes more affordable and accessible.
The aim: Make mortgage products that reward or enable energy-efficient upgrades (insulation, low-carbon heating, etc.), thereby lowering emissions, reducing energy bills, and nudging housing markets toward sustainability. Because for many families, the cost of “going green” has been the barrier; this effort seeks to shift that balance.
5. Science Advances: BAETA Material & Carbon Capture
Scientific progress continues to surprise and uplift. Researchers in Copenhagen have developed a new material (called BAETA) made from old plastic bottles. It can capture CO₂ directly from the air—without high energy inputs—and can be scaled up.
Meanwhile, another study has refined understanding of underground carbon storage: while it won’t alone solve climate change, it could help reduce global warming—provided it’s deployed responsibly and at scale.
Why These Moments Shine Bright
These stories share threads that make them more than just feel-good items:
Agency and action — whether it’s youth choosing green careers, or girls in STEM, people are stepping forward rather than waiting. Systemic change — sustainable leadership at IKEA, financial guidance, or carbon capture technologies point to structural shifts, not just individual acts. Hope built on reality — these are grounded in measurable steps (surveys, emissions, material science), not wishful thinking. Multiplicative impact — many of these actions amplify through policy, institutions, or cultural change, which means benefits multiply.
What iU Takes From This
At iU, we believe that even small progress is significant—and that hope is often forged in the quiet, consistent work of building, repairing, and inspiring. These stories are reminders that despite many challenges, there are people and institutions choosing better paths.
They also show opportunity: for the young, the bold, the creative, and the responsible. Whether your interest is in education, business, science, or environment, there are avenues to contribute—and to make impact felt.
#GoodNews #Inspiration #WorldChange
