#BE OPEN #Switzerland #Lugano #Sustainable Development #Design Equality

Celebrating Design Equality with Innovation

The DESIGN EQUALITY with Innovation competition is an exciting initiative now entering its seventh edition, organized by the socio-cultural group BE OPEN. This international contest focuses on promoting sustainable development (SDGs) goals through innovative solutions brought forth by students and graduates worldwide. With the growing emphasis on sustainability, the competition is set to inspire a new generation of innovators, particularly in the area of gender equality.

The Motivation Behind the Contest

According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, empowering women and girls is critical for accelerating economic growth and promoting social development. BE OPEN aligns with this vision by dedicating the 2025/2026 competition to UN SDG number 5, aiming to encourage solutions that advocate for gender equality and address the unique needs of women and girls. Furthermore, the initiative seeks to elevate women as innovators and entrepreneurs in various sectors.

Prizes and Opportunities

In recognition of outstanding submissions, BE OPEN will award scholarships ranging from €2,000 to €5,000. Moreover, winners will gain valuable educational opportunities, including travels to significant international events focused on sustainability. This holistic approach not only rewards creativity but also enables these young minds to continue their journeys of innovation.

A Distinguished Jury

The competition will see evaluations conducted by an impressive international jury comprised of sustainability professionals, academics, designers, and environmental policy experts. Elena Baturina, the founder of BE OPEN, expressed her enthusiasm about the diverse panel: "We are thrilled to have brought together such an extraordinary and varied group. Their knowledge and time will greatly enrich our contestants and the general public during this event. We are anticipating an exciting period filled with hard work and astonishing discoveries.”

This year's jury includes figures such as:

• - Barbara della Rovere – Community Manager at the UNFAO Innovation Champions Network;
• - Helen Watts – Executive Director of Student Energy;
• - Anna Kaplina – Environmental Affairs Lead at UNECE and Gender Coordinator;
• - Peter Gamundani – Sustainability Expert at Global Sustainable Solution Agents (GSSA);
• - Anastasia Adamidou – Equality Commission Office Representative from Cyprus;
• - Françoise Mlebinge – Program Manager at SOLIFEDE-RDC;
• - Ajisafe Damilola Ifeoluwa – President of Foot Impact at Unilorin and founder of TerraYouth Africa.

These experts will be instrumental in selecting the three main winners who will be announced at the end of May 2026.

Conclusion

The DESIGN EQUALITY with Innovation competition not only fosters creativity and innovation among the youth but also aligns with global efforts for sustainable development. By focusing on gender equality, it encourages aspiring change-makers to develop solutions that can significantly impact society. Participation in this contest can be a remarkable stepping stone for students aiming to contribute to a more equitable and sustainable world. With the esteemed jury's support, the participants are sure to embark on a transformative journey, realizing their innovative ideas and making a difference for future generations.