#BE OPEN #Switzerland #Lugano #Design Equality #SDG5

Introduction

The BE OPEN Foundation has officially announced the winners of its latest competition, "Design Equality with Innovation," which seeks to empower innovative solutions that align with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5, focused on gender equality. This year marks the seventh installment of this influential, international competition aimed at students and recent graduates, aiming to inspire young creative minds to develop forward-thinking ideas for a sustainable future.

Background

Launched in 2025 to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, this initiative emphasizes the importance of gender equality. The declaration advocated for strategic goals and actions to elevate women's status globally and to achieve gender parity. As an extension of this commitment, BE OPEN dedicated this year's competition to solutions that promote gender equality and address the unique challenges faced by women and girls.

Elena Baturina, the founder of BE OPEN and a prominent entrepreneur, expressed her views on the competition's impact, stating: "For seven consecutive years, BE OPEN has championed the UN's Sustainable Development Goals by encouraging young individuals worldwide to leverage their creative and intellectual capabilities to tackle challenges that are crucial for humanity. We receive hundreds of insightful and innovative submissions every year, reinforcing our belief that educating and inspiring young people is the most effective path to real change. Our mission is to nurture a generation capable of addressing future challenges through creativity, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration."

Winners

The Founder's Choice Prize, which includes a cash prize of €3,000, was awarded to the team from Universitas Indonesia—comprising Ellena Vianne, Tria Indah Lestari, Farida Doa Valentina, and Adnan Hasyim Wibowo—for their innovative project "Roots Menstrual Care System." This sustainable initiative is designed for the indigenous Orang Rimba community in the Bukit Duabelas National Park in Sumatra, offering a biodegradable menstrual hygiene solution tailored for the tropical rainforest conditions. The project combines locally sourced natural materials with women-led economic models and culturally-informed health education.

Meanwhile, the Public Vote Prize of €2,000 went to Akshat Shah, Harshavi Patel, and Aryaa Bhagwat, graduates from the Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology in India, for their project titled "Samvaad Saathi." This initiative provides access to financial services for women working as daily wage laborers in the construction industry. Samvaad Saathi guides women through establishing financial independence, aiding them in obtaining necessary documentation, opening bank accounts, and comprehending their income and savings opportunities.

Additional Support

In addition to monetary prizes, all winners will benefit from relevant educational opportunities and a fully funded trip to a major sustainability event, enabling them to present their projects to key decision-makers and an international audience. This holistic approach reflects BE OPEN's commitment to not only recognizing innovative ideas but also nurturing the next generation of leaders in sustainability and gender equality.

Conclusion

The "Design Equality with Innovation" competition exemplifies how creativity and innovation can converge to drive social change. As more young minds engage with sustainability and gender equality initiatives, the potential for impactful transformations in our societies grows exponentially. BE OPEN continues to lead the charge in empowering future generations to cultivate solutions that foster a fair and equal world for all.