#BE OPEN #Kenya #Nairobi #Designing Futures #UNEA-7

BE OPEN Celebrates Winners at UNEA-7

From December 8 to 12, 2025, the BE OPEN Foundation participated in the 7th session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) held in Nairobi, Kenya. This prestigious event brought together key stakeholders, including ministers, intergovernmental organizations, and civil society groups, to address pressing environmental issues. As part of this assembly, BE OPEN took the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the winners of the Designing Futures 2050 competition, an initiative aimed at empowering young creatives to engage with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The focus of UNEA-7 was on Advancing Sustainable Solutions for a Resilient Planet, a theme that resonates deeply with the mission of BE OPEN, which has been promoting innovative ideas since its inception. The Designing Futures 2050competition was launched in 2019 with the intent to raise consciousness among emerging professionals in creative and engineering sectors regarding the urgent need to act in accordance with the SDGs. Each year, the competition emphasizes a specific goal, allowing participants to devise and present innovative solutions to contemporary challenges.

Elena Baturina, founder of BE OPEN, expressed the foundation's commitment to education and awareness regarding the SDGs. She stated, “Our approach aims to increase understanding and drive education about sustainable development. By celebrating the innovative ideas generated by our participants, we not only provide them with a platform to showcase their projects but also build confidence in their capacity to effect positive change.” This year’s competition drew attention to the necessity for reflections and updates to the SDGs in light of current global realities, pushing participants to formulate actionable plans that can benefit their futures beyond 2030.

The winners highlighted during UNEA-7 included:

• - Ajisafe Damilola Ifeoluwa: His project Redefining Global Healthcare seeks to adapt the SDGs for practical, scalable impact.
• - Foday David Kamara: Founder of Ecovironment, which transforms plastic waste into sustainable construction materials.
• - Adnan Hasyim Wibowo, Fathan Mubani, and Rani Marhyani: They collaboratively developed AGASA (Algae for Sustainable Action), focusing on innovative algae installations.
• - Komborero Victor Kangai and Tinotenda Chrispen Makoni: Creators of CALMs, a Computer Aided Learning Management Suite.
• - Lucy Dain-Williams: She represented Tera Mira, an initiative working with nature to drive meaningful change in stretch textiles.

Every year, BE OPEN not only rewards these innovative projects with financial prizes but also provides winners with opportunities to attend significant international sustainability events such as COPs, Student Energy Summits, and this year, UNEA-7. These platforms allow young winners to grasp the inner workings of major environmental agencies, forge connections with experts, peers, and stakeholders, thereby enriching their education and future career prospects.

The foundation firmly believes that fostering creativity and engaging youth in meaningful environmental action is paramount for achieving sustainable futures. As Baturina emphasized, “encouraging young people to be pioneers of sustainable change proves its worth every passing year as we witness consistent and impactful ideas reflecting their dedication and research.” The event at UNEA-7 was not just a celebration but a manifestation of BE OPEN’s ongoing commitment to nurturing the next generation of environmental leaders.

In conclusion, BE OPEN's involvement at UNEA-7 symbolizes a commitment to innovation and education at a critical time for global environmental policy. By empowering young minds, the foundation continues to inspire a collective pathway toward sustainability that influences policy and creates a resilient future for all.