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BE OPEN's Role at the UN's 2025 Sustainable Development Forum

On April 2nd and 3rd, the BE OPEN Foundation took part in the Regional Forum on Sustainable Development 2025 held at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva. The event centered on the theme: "Advancing Sustainable, Inclusive Solutions Based on Science and Evidence for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Goals (SDGs)."

The forum brought together various stakeholders including UN governments, international organizations, civil society representatives, academic circles, young activists, and private sector participants to discuss effective strategies for accelerating progress toward achieving the SDGs.

The forum commenced with a high-level policy segment titled "Sustainable, Inclusive, Science-Based Solutions to Accelerate Progress Toward the SDGs." This segment featured key figures such as Amina J. Mohammed, the UN Deputy Secretary-General; Tatiana Molcean, Executive Secretary of UNECE; and Ivana Živković, Regional Director of UNDP for Europe and Central Asia. Throughout the discussions, a strong sense of urgency was expressed, highlighting the need for increased commitment and action toward a sustainable agenda.

According to a recent UNECE report on the progress of the SDGs, only about 17% of the 125 measurable targets are projected to be achieved by 2030. The report further indicated that 84 targets require accelerated progress, and for 20 others, current negative trends must be reversed. This data underscores the significant challenges faced in the UNECE region as it strives for sustainable growth by 2030 amid economic uncertainty, political changes, ongoing conflicts, and global crises.

The forum's theme resonated deeply with BE OPEN, particularly considering its ongoing international student competition, Designing Futures 2050. This initiative primarily encourages young innovators to develop solutions that contribute to the realistic implementation of sustainability values. The foundation aims to adapt these principles to current circumstances and instill sustainable approaches in the ambitions and practices of future professionals and leaders.

Elena Baturina, the founder of BE OPEN, emphasized the alignment of the foundation's sustainability program with the SDGs, stating, "Although at a smaller scale, BE OPEN’s objectives resonate closely with those of the UN regarding raising awareness about the SDGs among students preparing to launch their careers. We aim to engage them in adapting and updating the SDG agenda's action plan in light of current realities and encourage them to play a more active role in the practical implementation of a realistic sustainable action plan."

BE OPEN continuously supports and rewards young people for their contributions in developing solutions aimed at transforming inadequate systems and creating better conditions for a fair and environmentally prosperous world. The organization believes that it is crucial for younger generations to approach the agendas of 2050 and beyond with the knowledge, skills, responsibility, and passion needed to drive effective change.

Through its involvement in such pivotal forums, BE OPEN stands at the forefront of fostering sustainable development initiatives and nurturing the next generation of leaders dedicated to achieving equitable and sustainable outcomes across the globe.

This participatory approach is critical, as it reinforces the idea that the responsibility for sustainable development lies not only with policymakers but also with young leaders who will shape the future.