#BE OPEN #Switzerland #Lugano #COP30 #Designing Future

BE OPEN Presents Winning Projects from Students at COP30

On November 14th, the BE OPEN think tank unveiled the results of its latest student competition, Designing Future 2050, at the HiHouse studio located in the Green zone during the COP30 climate conference. This event highlighted the creativity and innovation of young talents by showcasing the presentations from the five winning teams.

Designing Future 2050 is part of a global initiative encouraging young designers to rethink and update the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the context of current realities. The competition pushed participants to transcend the 2030 agenda and actively engage in crafting practical and sustainable action plans that favor their future. The founder of BE OPEN, Elena Baturina, addressed the audience before the presentations, stressing the vital role of youth in facing impending global challenges.

"The future rests on the shoulders of the young. To equip them to tackle the serious challenges ahead, we need to provide them with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to navigate both local and global issues. This conference is a remarkable opportunity for young talents worldwide to connect with decision-makers and explore a wide range of opportunities."

Since its inception, BE OPEN has organized six international competitions, this being the sixth since 2019, each dedicated to different SDGs, including Goals #2, #7, #11, #12, #13, and #17. The goal is to engage students and recent graduates in sustainable practices and ideas while encouraging them to create innovative solutions. Currently, BE OPEN has introduced a new competition titled Design Equality with Innovation, which focuses on SDG #5 and is open for submissions until the end of 2025.

BE OPEN honors outstanding contributions with monetary rewards, honorable mentions, publications, access to educational resources, and opportunities to present projects at significant international sustainability events. By fostering a creative and collaborative environment, BE OPEN aims to inspire youth to take ownership in building a brighter future for all.

This initiative not only recognizes the hard work of aspiring young creators but also acts as a catalyst for future change. As these students ignite discussions on pressing global issues, they also pave the way for future generations to continue this vital conversation.

In an increasingly interconnected world, platforms like BE OPEN play an essential role in bridging the gap between innovative ideas and actionable, sustainable practices. As the emphasis on youth engagement grows, the hope is that more organizations will step forward to support and invest in the visions of our future leaders.

Through events like COP30, which gather the world's top thinkers, decision-makers, and innovators, the contributions of students and young professionals can no longer be overlooked. Their fresh perspectives and forward-thinking approaches are defining what sustainable practices look like today and beyond.

As BE OPEN continues its mission, it remains committed to providing a stage for young voices, ensuring they are heard amidst the dialogue of sustainability, innovation, and creativity. This is not just about ideas; it's about changing the narrative of what's possible and inspiring action for a sustainable future.

In summary, BE OPEN's event at COP30 offers an insightful glimpse into how the next generation is shaping solutions for a sustainable world, reinforcing the idea that empowering youth today is the key to a thriving tomorrow.