#BE OPEN #Kenya #Nairobi #Designing Futures #UNEA-7

Celebrating Innovation in Sustainability at UNEA-7

From December 8 to 12, the 7th session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) took place in Nairobi, Kenya, where BE OPEN marked a significant moment by celebrating the winners of the Designing Futures 2050 competition. This event reaffirmed the foundation's commitment to fostering creativity and sustainability among young professionals in creative and engineering fields.

UNEA serves as a pivotal platform for global environmental discussions, gathering participants from diverse backgrounds including government officials, scientists, NGOs, and industry leaders. This year’s theme, Advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet, aligns perfectly with BE OPEN's overarching goal of raising awareness about the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Since its inception in 2019, the Designing Futures competition has encouraged students to engage with and rethink the SDGs in the context of modern challenges, effectively inviting a fresh perspective on sustainability that extends beyond the 2030 agenda.

Elena Baturina, the founder of BE OPEN, stated, “We aim to educate about the SDGs and showcase the innovative potential of young individuals. Our competitions empower participants to research, establish connections, and develop solutions that contribute towards a sustainable future.” Through initiatives like these, BE OPEN not only boosts participants' confidence but also underscores their significance in shaping an environmentally friendly future.

The winners celebrated at UNEA-7 included:

• - Ajisafe Damilola Ifeoluwa, for his project, Redefining Global Healthcare, which seeks to align healthcare solutions with scalable impacts on the SDGs.
• - Foday David Kamara, founder of Ecovironment, transforming plastic waste into viable construction materials.
• - A team comprising Adnan Hasyim Wibowo, Fathan Mubani, and Rani Marhyani for AGASA (Algae for Sustainable Action), promoting sustainability through algae installations.
• - Komborero Victor Kangai and Tinotenda Chrispen Makoni with their innovative CALMs (Computer Aided Learning Management Suite).
• - Lucy Dain-Williams representing Tera Mira, which focuses on nature-driven change in stretch textiles.

In addition to receiving monetary awards, these young innovators gained invaluable exposure by attending major international sustainability events. Platforms like COPs and UNEA provide opportunities for them to witness and partake in the operations of significant environmental agencies, fostering connections with peers and leading professionals crucial to their future endeavors.

BE OPEN firmly believes that nurturing creative solutions and engaging youth in sustainability initiatives is essential for promoting a sustainable lifestyle. By investing in the education and empowerment of young people today, we can ensure a more thoughtful, innovative, and eco-conscious generation tomorrow.

As we reflect on this celebration of creativity and commitment to sustainability, it is evident that platforms like UNEA-7 and programs such as Designing Futures 2050 serve as vital catalysts for change, uniting diverse voices in the shared mission of creating a more sustainable world.