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

BE OPEN Celebrates the Winners of Designing Futures 2050

In a notable event from December 8 to 12, 2025, BE OPEN participated in the seventh United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) held in Nairobi, Kenya. This assembly stands as the world's preeminent decision-making body on environmental issues, tackling significant global environmental challenges. During this gathering, BE OPEN took the opportunity to honor the winners of its competition, Designing Futures 2050, which concluded earlier this year.

UNEA-7: A Critical Forum for Environmental Action

The UNEA serves as a pivotal meeting point for ministers, intergovernmental organizations, civil society, scientists, activists, and the private sector to shape global environmental policies. This year's theme, “Advancing Sustainable Solutions for a Resilient Planet,” resonated strongly with the mission of BE OPEN's Designing Futures 2050 competition, launched in 2019. This initiative aims to raise awareness among young professionals in creative and technical fields about the urgent need to address the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Founder Elena Baturina expressed the commitment of BE OPEN to enhancing awareness and understanding of sustainable development through innovative competitions. She emphasized that fostering the ability of youth to generate positive and innovative ideas is crucial for future sustainability. “Strengthening the confidence of the younger generation to recognize their role in shaping the future pays off tenfold,” Baturina asserted. Each year, the organization witnesses an influx of thoughtful, researched, and innovative ideas aimed at sustainable change, reflecting the impact of educational and motivational efforts on youth.

The Vision Behind Designing Futures 2050

Designing Futures 2050 encourages young creatives to reshape the SDG agenda based on current realities, extending beyond the 2030 agenda, and engaging actively in creating and implementing realistic and sustainable action plans that benefit their longer-term futures.

Several talented individuals attended the UNEA-7 sessions, showcasing their innovative projects:

• - Ajisafe Damilola Ifeoluwa presented on redefining global healthcare and adapting the SDGs for scalable impacts.
• - Foday David Kamara, founder of Ecovironment, proposed converting plastic waste into sustainable building materials.
• - Adnan Hasyim Wibowo, Fathan Mubani, and Rani Marhyani introduced AGASA, a project promoting sustainable algae installations.
• - Komborero Victor Kangai and Tinotenda Chrispen Makoni showcased their CALMs Computer Aided Learning Management Suite.
• - Lucy Dain-Williams represented Tera Mira, focusing on working with nature to drive meaningful change in stretch textiles.

In addition to cash awards, BE OPEN brings winners of its annual competitions to key international sustainability events like COP summits and now to UNEA, providing them with the chance to connect with global environmental agencies, peers, experts, officials, and potential stakeholders relevant to their future careers.

The Importance of Innovative Engagement

BE OPEN firmly believes that fostering innovative approaches and involving youth in meaningful initiatives through education and motivation is key to achieving a sustainable existence. Baturina's commitment to this vision is clear: “Our competitions aim to highlight, nurture, support, and celebrate young people's capacity to develop positive innovative ideas.” This ethos ensures that as we celebrate today's winners, we are simultaneously cultivating tomorrow's change-makers, encouraging them to contribute actively to a resilient planet.



In conclusion, the recognition of these young innovators serves not only to celebrate their accomplishments but also to inspire others to join in the pursuit of sustainable solutions for a better Earth. Through events like UNEA-7, BE OPEN provides a platform that not only showcases talent but also churns out future leaders in sustainability.