#Sustainability #COP29 #Baku #Azerbaijan #BE OPEN

BE OPEN's Commitment to Sustainability at COP29

On November 16, 2024, BE OPEN hosted an engaging session at COP29 in Baku, where it showcased its ongoing commitment to sustainability through the multi-year competition program that aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The event celebrated the winners of the most recent Design Your Climate Action competition and highlighted the innovative solutions birthed from young minds across the globe.

A Platform for Young Innovators

At the session, which took place in the Extreme Hangout Zone, BE OPEN shared the motivation behind its student competition. Each year, the program focuses on one specific SDG, having previously tackled topics such as SDG12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG2 (Zero Hunger), SDG7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and SDG13 (Climate Action). The objective is to encourage innovative thinking among young creatives, paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future.

Elena Baturina, the founder of BE OPEN, addressed attendees by emphasizing the importance of empowering the next generation. She stated, "Every year we collect hundreds of outstanding, well-researched creative projects from young people all over the world. Each year, we are reassured that motivating these young leaders towards sustainable change is the right path forward. We strive to offer them platforms for discussion and opportunities for self-education, boosting their confidence along the way."

Highlights from the Winning Presentations

The session's centerpiece was the presentation of winning projects by teams who were recognized for their creativity and innovative designs. Among them were:

• - Tshepiso Motau, Tsebo Mokwena, and Bongeka Buthelezi from the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. They presented their project, the Swiftguard Early Flood Warning System. This groundbreaking integrated communication system is crafted to provide timely flood warnings, incorporating a telemetry buoy, a signal tower, and a solar-powered alarm system.

• - Emilia Ziolek, a student's voice from the University of Limerick, Ireland, shared her concept of the Tidal Energy Turbine Form Redesign with Biomimicry. This innovative redesign aims to create bladeless turbines that reduce environmental impact while improving energy conversion efficiency.

• - The First Prize winners, Darcy Rincón and Michelle Aljure from the Universidad de los Andes in Colombia, introduced the Inspira System, which focuses on cultivating spirulina in Bogotá's low-income neighborhoods. This initiative is aimed at combating malnutrition while creating economic opportunities within vulnerable communities. Notably, representatives from the Colombian Embassy were present to support these inspiring young innovators.

Fostering Future Change

Following the presentations, BE OPEN invited other students present to participate in the Designing Futures 2050 initiative, designed to raise awareness about the need for urgent sustainable action in today's world. This ongoing competition aims to foster and promote ideas that can lead to a global shift toward sustainability.

To motivate participants further, BE OPEN is offering monetary prizes ranging from €2,000 to €5,000, alongside opportunities to attend major sustainability events, ensuring that innovative ideas receive the recognition they deserve.

Believing firmly in the power of creativity and youth engagement, BE OPEN aims to harness the energy of younger generations to drive meaningful action towards a sustainable future. By empowering young minds and providing them with resources and platforms, they're fostering a generation of leaders ready to tackle the world's pressing challenges head-on.

This year’s initiatives underscore that through collaboration, education, and innovation, the potential for a sustainable future is not just a dream, but a realizable goal. As BE OPEN continues to inspire future generations, the hope is that young innovators will carry the torch for sustainability forward into the years ahead.