SABIC's 'Lights of Our Future' programme, its global corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, aims to inspire and empower young people, particularly in the area of sustainability, by enhancing their awareness and encouraging an innovative mindset for environmental protection.

Originally launched in Asia, the programme has been active in China for over a decade. In collaboration with JA China, a non-profit organisation focused on student education in work readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy, the programme includes a variety of educational activities, including lessons, competitions, and workshops.

The key aspects of the Lights of Our Future programme include:

• Sustainability education: The programme educates students on sustainability from an economic perspective, helping them understand the long-term significance of environmental protection and the practical applications of sustainability in everyday life.

Shanghai New Huangpu Experimental School's “Innovation” team, who presented Smart Green Parking Lot Project, won the first prize

• Community engagement: SABIC employees volunteer to design and teach customized curricula, contributing thousands of hours over the years to mentor young participants.

• Competitions and activities: A highlight of the programme is the Sustainable Development Design Competition, where students propose innovative solutions to urban sustainability challenges, such as designing sustainable urban public spaces.

• Workshops and plant tours: Students also engage in hands-on learning through plant tours and interactive sessions, providing them with insights into chemical production, operational safety, and the practical applications of sustainability in industry.

The programme celebrates its 10th anniversary in China in 2024 and has impacted over 19,000 students from more than 80 schools, fostering a new generation of leaders committed to advancing sustainability and shaping a better future.