BE OPEN Highlights Sustainability Initiatives at COP29 in Baku, Celebrating Student Innovators
On November 16th, 2024, BE OPEN held an engaging session at COP29 in Baku, discussing its multi-year competition program aimed at supporting the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative, designed to stimulate innovative solutions from talented youth, focuses yearly on specific SDGs, such as Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), and Climate Action (SDG 13). Through this program, BE OPEN aims to encourage young creatives to devise solutions for a more sustainable future.
Elena Baturina, the founder of BE OPEN, addressed COP29 attendees, emphasizing the foundation's commitment to this significant initiative. "Every year, we collect hundreds of well-documented, creative projects from young people worldwide. We believe that motivating and educating these youth to become leaders of sustainable change is the best pathway forward. We strive to provide them with a platform for debate and idea exchange; we want to inspire them to self-educate and to recognize their importance in shaping the future,” she stated.
The highlights of the session were the presentations from the winning teams of the recent competition named 'Design Your Climate Action.' Among these champions were Tshepiso Motau, Tsebo Mokwena, and Bongeka Buthelezi, industrial design students from the University of Johannesburg in South Africa. Their project, the 'Swiftguard Early Flood Warning System,' is a groundbreaking integrated communication system aimed at providing early flood alerts, featuring a telemetry buoy, a signal tower, and a solar-powered alarm system.
Another notable presentation came from Emilia Ziolek, a product design student at the University of Limerick in Ireland, who received third place and the Founder's Choice award for her concept, 'Tidal Energy Turbine Form Redesign with Biomimicry.' This innovative design eliminates traditional turbine blades, reducing marine life impact while enhancing energy conversion efficiency.
The first-place winners, Darcy Rincón and Michelle Aljure from the Universidad de los Andes in Colombia, introduced their 'Inspira System,' aimed at integrating spirulina cultivation into low-income neighborhoods in Bogotá. This project aspires to combat malnutrition, create new income opportunities, and promote sustainability in vulnerable communities. Notably, representatives from the Colombian Embassy attended to support the presenters, highlighting the project’s significance.
Following these presentations, BE OPEN invited students in the audience to participate in 'Designing Futures 2050,' an initiative aimed at raising awareness about the urgent need for sustainable action in today's realities. This competition seeks to practically implement sustainability values by identifying and promoting ideas that foster a global shift towards a sustainable future. Winners will be awarded financial prizes ranging from €2,000 to €5,000 and opportunities to attend key sustainability events.
BE OPEN firmly believes in the power of creative innovations and meaningful youth engagement through education and motivation as vital components for fostering sustainable living. By addressing pressing global challenges, they empower young minds to take action and contribute to a more sustainable world. The presentations at COP29 stand as a testament to the potential that lies in the creativity and passion of today’s youth for creating tangible, lasting change.
Elena Baturina, the founder of BE OPEN, addressed COP29 attendees, emphasizing the foundation's commitment to this significant initiative. "Every year, we collect hundreds of well-documented, creative projects from young people worldwide. We believe that motivating and educating these youth to become leaders of sustainable change is the best pathway forward. We strive to provide them with a platform for debate and idea exchange; we want to inspire them to self-educate and to recognize their importance in shaping the future,” she stated.
The highlights of the session were the presentations from the winning teams of the recent competition named 'Design Your Climate Action.' Among these champions were Tshepiso Motau, Tsebo Mokwena, and Bongeka Buthelezi, industrial design students from the University of Johannesburg in South Africa. Their project, the 'Swiftguard Early Flood Warning System,' is a groundbreaking integrated communication system aimed at providing early flood alerts, featuring a telemetry buoy, a signal tower, and a solar-powered alarm system.
Another notable presentation came from Emilia Ziolek, a product design student at the University of Limerick in Ireland, who received third place and the Founder's Choice award for her concept, 'Tidal Energy Turbine Form Redesign with Biomimicry.' This innovative design eliminates traditional turbine blades, reducing marine life impact while enhancing energy conversion efficiency.
The first-place winners, Darcy Rincón and Michelle Aljure from the Universidad de los Andes in Colombia, introduced their 'Inspira System,' aimed at integrating spirulina cultivation into low-income neighborhoods in Bogotá. This project aspires to combat malnutrition, create new income opportunities, and promote sustainability in vulnerable communities. Notably, representatives from the Colombian Embassy attended to support the presenters, highlighting the project’s significance.
Following these presentations, BE OPEN invited students in the audience to participate in 'Designing Futures 2050,' an initiative aimed at raising awareness about the urgent need for sustainable action in today's realities. This competition seeks to practically implement sustainability values by identifying and promoting ideas that foster a global shift towards a sustainable future. Winners will be awarded financial prizes ranging from €2,000 to €5,000 and opportunities to attend key sustainability events.
BE OPEN firmly believes in the power of creative innovations and meaningful youth engagement through education and motivation as vital components for fostering sustainable living. By addressing pressing global challenges, they empower young minds to take action and contribute to a more sustainable world. The presentations at COP29 stand as a testament to the potential that lies in the creativity and passion of today’s youth for creating tangible, lasting change.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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