New York, 29 September 2025
What if yesterday’s waste could become tomorrow’s runway masterpiece? For more than 100,000 young people across 74 countries, Junk Kouture is proving that bold design can spark climate action, unlock creativity, and give youth the confidence to shape a more sustainable world.
This week in New York, Junk Kouture launched its Global Impact Report, revealing how a simple idea – transforming “junk” into couture – has grown into a powerful educational force aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The celebration, which saw Junk Kouture alumni take over iconic city sites to showcase their designs and talk about the six UN SDGs to which the programme directly contributes. The event was attended by Charlie McConalogue, Minister of State for Postal Policy and Sport, demonstrating strong institutional support for youth empowerment and sustainability.
“Just as sport teaches teamwork and resilience, Junk Kouture provides young people with a stage to express their creativity, collaborate, and innovate with sustainability at the core. From its beginnings in Buncrana to addressing the United Nations, this movement has proven itself a powerful force in shaping confident, climate-conscious youth.” – Charlie McConalogue, Minister of State for Postal Policy and Sport
The event coincided with a major honour: Troy Armour, Founder and CEO of Junk Kouture, received the Global SDG Leader Award at the United Nations SDG High-Level Luncheon on 25 September. The award recognises how Junk Kouture mobilises youth to deliver real-world impact on the SDGs, from climate action to quality education.
“Over the past 15 years, I’ve witnessed how Junk Kouture transforms lives: the shy student who discovers their voice, the team that goes on to lead sustainability initiatives in their school, the class that reshapes their community’s culture. This Impact Report shows it isn’t just anecdotal. The data proves it. With more than 100,000 teens now involved, Junk Kouture is not only building confidence and creativity, but also equipping young people with the transferable skills, networks, and career pathways they need to thrive in a fast-changing world. We are helping to build a generation ready to lead.”
— Troy Armour, Founder and CEO of Junk Kouture
Key Findings from the 2025 Global Impact Report:
Based on survey data from over 10,000 students and educators in 20 countries, the report reveals measurable outcomes:
- Youth Empowerment: 84% of young people who participated gained confidence, and 78% demonstrated stronger leadership skills.
- Sustainable Action: 85% were inspired to take climate action, many leading new school initiatives.
- Creative Education: 87% of students and 94% of educators saw growth in creativity, problem-solving, and innovation.
- Global Reach: Students from 74 countries engaged, fostering cultural exchange and inclusivity in education.
A Global Stage for Young Voices:
Junk Kouture has already inspired audiences at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Climate Week in New York, and Teen Vogue in the US. Now, with recognition at the United Nations, it is firmly positioned as the world’s first Global Sport for Creatives.
By valuing imagination and individuality alongside teamwork and resilience, Junk Kouture brings to life the kind of inclusive, sustainable education that many generations before could only dream of.
About Junk Kouture
Junk Kouture is the world’s first sport for creatives, empowering young people to transform recycled materials into high-fashion designs. With a year-round programme integrated into school curricula, Junk Kouture provides transferable life skills that prepare youth to thrive in today’s VUCA world while inspiring climate action through creativity and innovation.
Subjects in the Images available : Maha Shazadi (Junk Kouture Future Leader), Charlie McConalogue Minister of State for Postal Policy and Sport, Troy Armour (Founder and CEO Junk Kouture), Caoimhe Kenny (Miss Ireland), Brona Dowling (SVP International Markets Junk Kouture), Megan Kelly (Director Global Events and Production Junk Kouture).
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