vivo and UNESCO with the University of Milan: transforming every young creator into a climate witness
The Role of the Smartphone in Youth Storytelling
The role of smartphones has changed radically in recent years: from simple communication devices to true creative hubs capable of influencing public opinion. This is where "Capture the Future: Global Youth Storytelling Initiative for People and Nature" was born, an innovative project developed through the collaboration between the global producer vivo and UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) program.
Italy and the University of Milan were chosen as the European launchpad for this initiative, aiming to train a new class of conscious storytellers. The goal is to transform young people from passive users of technology into active “changemakers.” This initiative is not just about taking beautiful photographs, but about using visual language to convey complex messages related to sustainability, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
Originally presented during the last Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the project has now come to life with a training session that merges academia, science, and technology.
A "Dual-Mentor" Approach between Science and Technology
The uniqueness of the Milan event lies in its interdisciplinary approach. Students benefited from the "dual-mentor" format, a direct bridge between UNESCO's scientific expertise and vivo's technological know-how. Notable speakers included Professor Giorgio Vacchiano from the University of Milan, an expert in forest management, and key figures from UNESCO such as Yue Yu Zou and Manoel Giffoni.
The technical aspects, crucial for shaping ideas, were handled by imaging professionals: photographer Francesco Gola, a well-known ZEISS brand ambassador (historical partner of vivo for mobile optics), and director Mark Roth. Together with vivo's imaging experts, they demonstrated how the hardware capabilities of modern smartphones—larger sensors, artificial intelligence algorithms, and precision lenses—can be utilized to document the fragile balance between man and nature with professional quality.
After an initial part dedicated to the MAB program and the analysis of case studies, participants tested their skills in an interactive workshop. Here, the focus shifted to video storytelling and editing, essential tools for making content viral and shareable on contemporary social media.
Next Steps: Towards the Global Camp
For those who could not attend the Milan event, the opportunity remains open. Until the end of May 2026, vivo and UNESCO will maintain an active global open call for all young creators. The best selected visual storytelling projects during this phase will grant their authors a pass to the Global Youth Visual Storytelling Co-Creation Camp, an intensive campus that will take place in the summer of 2026 within some of Europe’s most scenic biosphere reserves.