Innovative Student Projects Shine at COP30: BE OPEN's Designing Future 2050 Competition
On November 14, 2025, the BE OPEN think-tank presented the outcomes of its latest competition, Designing Future 2050, at the HiHouse studio located in the Green Zone of the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Lugano, Switzerland. This annual gathering serves as a pivotal platform where global leaders confront climate challenges, making it an ideal backdrop for sharing innovative ideas aimed at a sustainable future.
This year, BE OPEN showcased the pitches from the five winning teams, all of whom are students passionate about reshaping the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework to better reflect the complexities of today's world. Their ambitious projects extend the vision for what a sustainable future could look like, striving not just for adherence to the 2030 agenda but pushing towards a more holistic and actionable set of solutions.
BE OPEN’s Founder, Elena Baturina, initiated the presentation with a powerful statement emphasizing the importance of empowering younger generations to take the reins in addressing global challenges. She said, “The future rests on the shoulders of young people. For them to adequately tackle the serious challenges ahead, we must equip them with the necessary knowledge, skills, and tools.” Baturina’s insights reflect the organization’s mission over the last six years to collaborate with schools and universities worldwide, enhancing awareness around the SDGs and nurturing sustainable innovation among youth.
The Designing Future 2050 competition marks the sixth international contest orchestrated by BE OPEN since 2019, following thematic competitions addressing various SDGs, including #2 (Zero Hunger), #7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), #11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), #12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), #13 (Climate Action), and #17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Each initiative is tailored to engage students and recent graduates, encouraging them to weave sustainable principles into their professional aspirations and cultivate groundbreaking ideas.
In addition to the competition, BE OPEN has launched an ongoing project called Design Equality with Innovation, focused on SDG #5 (Gender Equality), which will continue to accept submissions through the end of 2025. The initiative is aligned with the foundation's vision of inclusivity and the belief that diverse perspectives drive innovation.
The rewards for winning teams include monetary prizes, honorable mentions, publications, and most importantly, opportunities to pitch their projects at major international sustainability events. This exposure not only promotes their ideas but also connects budding talents with industry leaders and decision-makers, providing a pathway for their inventive solutions.
By fostering a collaborative learning environment, sharing resources, and recognizing exceptional work, BE OPEN aims to inspire the next generation to take ownership over their futures and contribute meaningfully to sustainability efforts. Such initiatives highlight the intersection of youth creativity and environmental stewardship, contributing to a collective drive toward a sustainable and resilient global community.
Overall, the event at COP30 serves as a reminder of the critical role that young innovators play in shaping a responsible future. As Baturina aptly puts it, “We must offer them a platform, for the future depends on their vision, commitment, and ability to lead us toward a more sustainable world.” With the innovations presented this year at the conference, it’s clear that our hopes for a sustainable future lie in the hands of our youth.
This year, BE OPEN showcased the pitches from the five winning teams, all of whom are students passionate about reshaping the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework to better reflect the complexities of today's world. Their ambitious projects extend the vision for what a sustainable future could look like, striving not just for adherence to the 2030 agenda but pushing towards a more holistic and actionable set of solutions.
BE OPEN’s Founder, Elena Baturina, initiated the presentation with a powerful statement emphasizing the importance of empowering younger generations to take the reins in addressing global challenges. She said, “The future rests on the shoulders of young people. For them to adequately tackle the serious challenges ahead, we must equip them with the necessary knowledge, skills, and tools.” Baturina’s insights reflect the organization’s mission over the last six years to collaborate with schools and universities worldwide, enhancing awareness around the SDGs and nurturing sustainable innovation among youth.
The Designing Future 2050 competition marks the sixth international contest orchestrated by BE OPEN since 2019, following thematic competitions addressing various SDGs, including #2 (Zero Hunger), #7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), #11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), #12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), #13 (Climate Action), and #17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Each initiative is tailored to engage students and recent graduates, encouraging them to weave sustainable principles into their professional aspirations and cultivate groundbreaking ideas.
In addition to the competition, BE OPEN has launched an ongoing project called Design Equality with Innovation, focused on SDG #5 (Gender Equality), which will continue to accept submissions through the end of 2025. The initiative is aligned with the foundation's vision of inclusivity and the belief that diverse perspectives drive innovation.
The rewards for winning teams include monetary prizes, honorable mentions, publications, and most importantly, opportunities to pitch their projects at major international sustainability events. This exposure not only promotes their ideas but also connects budding talents with industry leaders and decision-makers, providing a pathway for their inventive solutions.
By fostering a collaborative learning environment, sharing resources, and recognizing exceptional work, BE OPEN aims to inspire the next generation to take ownership over their futures and contribute meaningfully to sustainability efforts. Such initiatives highlight the intersection of youth creativity and environmental stewardship, contributing to a collective drive toward a sustainable and resilient global community.
Overall, the event at COP30 serves as a reminder of the critical role that young innovators play in shaping a responsible future. As Baturina aptly puts it, “We must offer them a platform, for the future depends on their vision, commitment, and ability to lead us toward a more sustainable world.” With the innovations presented this year at the conference, it’s clear that our hopes for a sustainable future lie in the hands of our youth.
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