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BE OPEN Celebrates Winners of Designing Futures 2050

From December 8 to 12, 2025, the BE OPEN foundation took a prominent role at the 7th session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) held in Nairobi, Kenya. During this significant gathering, BE OPEN seized the opportunity to honor the winners of its competitive initiative, Designing Futures 2050, which concluded earlier in the year.

UNEA-7 represents the highest decision-making body dedicated to global environmental issues, uniting ministers, intergovernmental organizations, multilateral environmental agreements, and members of civil society. The assembly focuses on defining global environmental policies to combat shared challenges facing our planet. This year's theme—"Driving Sustainable Solutions for a Resilient Planet"—aligns perfectly with the foundations and aims of BE OPEN's long-term student competition program, initiated in 2019. The program aims to raise awareness among young professionals in creative fields and engineering about the immediate need for action based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Elena Baturina, BE OPEN's founder, described the foundation's mission: "The approach of BE OPEN is to educate and raise awareness about the SDGs. Through our competitions, we highlight, promote, and support the talents of young individuals who create innovative and positive ideas. We're dedicated to building a platform that motivates and aids self-education, research, and connection with mentors, ultimately fostering the development and presentation of practical solutions."

Her sentiments manifest clearly in the quality of submissions received: "Every year we witness thoughtful, well-researched, innovative ideas that resonate with the urgent need for sustainability, reaffirming our belief that empowering youth as leaders in sustainable change is vital for the future."

The Designing Futures 2050 contest prompted young creatives to reinterpret and update the SDGs in accordance with current realities, encouraging them to look beyond the 2030 agenda and actively engage in the development and implementation of realistic, sustainable action plans for their future.

The winners who attended UNEA-7 sessions and events are:
1. Ajisafe Damilola Ifeoluwa with the project titled "Redefining Global Healthcare: Adjusting the SDGs for Scalable Practical Impact".
2. Foday David Kamara, founder of "Ecovironment: Transforming Plastic Waste into Sustainable Construction Materials".
3. Adnan Hasyim Wibowo, Fathan Mubani, and Rani Marhyani, presenting "AGASA: Algae for Sustainable Action, Blooming Sustainability Through Algae Installation".
4. Komborero Victor Kangai and Tinotenda Chrispen Makoni with "CALMs: Computer Aided Learning Management Suite".
5. Lucy Dain-Williams representing Tera Mira with the project "Working with Nature to Drive Meaningful Change in Stretch Textiles".

In addition to receiving monetary awards, BE OPEN invites contest winners each year to attend significant international sustainability events, such as the COP, Student Energy Summits, UNECE forums, and now UNEA. This initiative aims to provide them with exposure to the workings of global environmental agencies, facilitate connections with experts, and engage with stakeholders pertinent to their educational and professional journeys.

BE OPEN passionately believes that innovative creative approaches and meaningful youth participation, coupled with education and motivation, are crucial drivers for the transition toward sustainable existence, ultimately shaping a better future for all.