BE OPEN Celebrates Winners of Designing Futures 2050 at UNEA-7 in Nairobi

BE OPEN Celebrates the Next Generation of Innovators at UNEA-7

From December 8 to 12, the BE OPEN Foundation had a notable presence at the 7th session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) held in Nairobi, Kenya. This significant event provided a platform for promoting environmental policies and included the celebration of the laureates from the Designing Futures 2050 competition.

UNEA-7 brings together a diverse range of stakeholders, including governmental representatives, intergovernmental organizations, civil society, scientists, activists, and the private sector, all committed to advancing global environmental policies. This year’s theme, "Advancing Sustainable Solutions for a Resilient Planet," aligns perfectly with BE OPEN's mission to engage and educate youth on the necessity of developing sustainable practices through creative and engineering viewpoints.

Founded in 2019, the Designing Futures program encourages young professionals to tackle the urgent challenges posed by the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Each year, the competition revolves around a specific theme related to these goals, allowing participants to present innovative and feasible solutions.

Elena Baturina, the founder of BE OPEN, emphasized the importance of their initiatives during the assembly: “Our approach is centered on raising awareness and educating about the SDGs. Through our competitions, we highlight and foster the ability of youth to generate positive, innovative ideas.” She remarked that every year, they witness the emergence of coherent, meaningful, and well-documented proposals that inspire confidence in young innovators.

The motivation provided to these emerging leaders is impactful, encouraging them to redefine and extend the agenda of the SDGs beyond the 2030 horizon. The program aims to empower them to actively participate in developing and implementing realistic and sustainable action plans for their futures.

At UNEA-7, this year's winners presented remarkable projects that garnered attention for their innovative approaches:

1. Ajisafe Damilola Ifeoluwa with "Redefining Global Healthcare" – focusing on adapting the SDGs for impactful, scalable solutions.
2. Foday David Kamara, founder of Ecovironment, showcased how to transform plastic waste into sustainable building materials.
3. Adnan Hasyim Wibowo, Fathan Mubani, and Rani Marhyani introduced AGASA or Algae for Sustainable Action, which advocates for sustainability through algae installations.
4. Komborero Victor Kangai and Tinotenda Chrispen Makoni presented CALMs, a Computer Aided Learning Management Suite.
5. Lucy Dain-Williams, representing Tera Mira, proposed a project focused on collaborating with nature to facilitate meaningful change in stretch textiles.

In addition to the cash prizes awarded, BE OPEN provides the winners with opportunities to attend major international sustainability events, such as COP meetings, student energy summits, and forums organized by the UNECE. These experiences allow the young laureates to engage with leading environmental agencies, connect with their peers, experts, and potential mentors, which are crucial for their future careers.

BE OPEN firmly believes that fostering innovative and creative approaches while engaging youth in meaningful actions through education and motivation is vital for achieving sustainable living. This commitment to youth empowerment and environmental responsibility is what drives positive change and ensures a greener future for all.

Join BE OPEN in this revolutionary movement as they continue to spotlight future leaders dedicated to safeguarding our planet for generations to come.