BE OPEN Unveils Award-Winning Projects from Designing Future 2050 Competition

On November 14, 2025, the BE OPEN Foundation held a presentation at the HiHouse studio, situated in the Green Zone of COP30, unveiling the results of its international student competition entitled Designing Future 2050. This initiative encouraged young creative minds to rethink and enhance the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2050, in light of current realities.

The competition aimed to inspire participants to extend their vision beyond the 2030 Agenda, calling on them to engage actively in the development of practical and sustainable action plans that would favor their future.

Elena Baturina, the founder of BE OPEN, commenced the presentations with a powerful speech: “The future rests on the shoulders of the youth. For them to tackle the serious challenges ahead, we must equip them with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed, teaching them how to navigate global and local issues and lead the way towards a more sustainable world for all.” She further articulated the organization's commitment over the past six years to collaborate with schools and universities globally, raising awareness on the SDGs and supporting their fulfillment by recognizing and promoting sustainable ideas from youth.

This conference proved to be an excellent platform for connecting talented young individuals from around the globe with decision-makers, thereby offering a broad array of opportunities. The competition, Designing Futures 2050, marked the sixth international contest organized by BE OPEN since 2019, following those focused on SDGs 2, 7, 11, 12, 13, and 17. Each of these initiatives sought to engage students and recent graduates with sustainability agendas, integrating sustainability principles into the practices and aspirations of future professionals and motivating them to create their innovative solutions.

Looking ahead, BE OPEN plans to launch a new competition named Design Equality with Innovation, dedicated to SDG 5, which will accept submissions until the end of 2025. The winners of the Designing Future 2050 competition were awarded cash prizes, honorable mentions, publications, access to educational resources, and the opportunity to showcase their projects at significant international sustainability-related events.

By fostering opportunities for creative expression, collaboration, and learning, BE OPEN is determined to inspire young leaders to take charge in shaping a sustainable future. Overall, the event served as a reminder of the potential that lies within the next generation, as they seek to confront the pressing challenges facing humanity.

In conclusion, the BE OPEN Foundation’s commitment to sustainability and youth empowerment highlights the crucial role of young innovators in steering global change. The Designing Future 2050 competition not only recognizes brilliant ideas but also fosters a culture of sustainability and innovation needed to tackle the complexities of the future. As the world evolves, initiatives like this offer hope and drive progress towards a more sustainable and equitable society for generations to come.