#Sustainability #None #BE OPEN #Lugano #Design Equality

Introduction

The DESIGN EQUALITY with Innovation competition, run by the socio-cultural initiative BE OPEN, marks its seventh iteration this year. This international competition focuses on the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is open to students and recent graduates worldwide.

BE OPEN's initiative aims to cultivate innovative solutions developed by young minds for a more prosperous and sustainable future, particularly emphasizing the importance of gender equality for societal advancement.

Gender Equality and Economic Growth

According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, empowering women and girls is vital for accelerating economic growth and social development. The 2025/2026 competition is dedicated to promoting SDG No. 5, which addresses gender equality, ensuring that the needs of women and girls are acknowledged while highlighting women innovators and entrepreneurs.

Competition Structure and Rewards

The competition will reward top submissions with scholarships ranging from €2,000 to €5,000, providing winners with training opportunities and travel to significant international sustainability-focused events. Selected proposals will be evaluated by an esteemed international jury composed of sustainability experts, academic professionals, designers, and policy analysts.

Elena Baturina, the founder of BE OPEN, expressed her enthusiasm regarding the jury's composition, stating, "We are thrilled to gather such an extraordinary and diverse panel. We deeply appreciate the time and insights our jury members are willing to share with our contestants and the public throughout the competition. An exciting period of intense work and intriguing discoveries awaits us."

The Jury Members

The jury for this year includes notable figures such as Barbara della Rovere, a community leader for the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization; Helen Watts, Executive Director of Student Energy; Anna Kaplina, head of Environmental Affairs at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe; Peter Gamundani, a sustainability specialist with Global Sustainable Solution Agents; along with representatives from various organizations including the Cyprus Gender Equality Commissioner’s Office and SOLIFEDE-RDC.

Looking Ahead

The announcement of the three winning entries will take place at the end of May 2026. This competition not only aims to acknowledge and reward youth innovation but also strives to foster a culture of sustainability and gender equity in design and innovation on a global scale. By encouraging students to address these vital issues, BE OPEN continues to empower the next generation to create meaningful change in their communities and beyond.

Conclusion

The DESIGN EQUALITY with Innovation competition embodies a significant opportunity for young adults to showcase their innovative ideas while contributing to gender equality and sustainable development. This movement not only supports emerging designers but also inspires an ongoing commitment to positive change in society—one project at a time.