#BE OPEN #Switzerland #Sustainable Development #Elena Baturina #Geneva

BE OPEN and the Regional Forum on Sustainable Development 2025

On April 2-3, 2025, BE OPEN participated in the Regional Forum on Sustainable Development 2025, held at the United Nations offices in Geneva. This event gathered representatives from various sectors, including government, international organizations, civil society, academia, and the private sector, all united to address sustainable development challenges. The overarching theme of the forum was about promoting sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions that align with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, alongside its associated Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Forum Highlights

The forum commenced with a High-level Policy Segment focusing on essential solutions to enhance the progress of the SDGs. Esteemed speakers such as Amina J. Mohammed, the UN Deputy Secretary-General, and Tatiana Molcean, Executive Secretary of UNECE, delivered influential addresses. Their messages underlined the urgent necessity for committed action toward a sustainable agenda amidst a backdrop of economic uncertainties, political challenges, and ongoing global conflicts.

The latest UNECE report on SDG progress indicates concerning trends; only 17% of measurable targets are predicted to be met by 2030. Simultaneously, it highlights that for 84 targets, progress must significantly accelerate, and for 20 targets, a reversal of current paths is essential. This sobering data emphasizes the urgency for collective action and innovative solutions.

The Role of BE OPEN

For BE OPEN, the forum's theme particularly resonated, especially as the foundation is actively conducting its international student competition titled Designing Futures 2050. This competition seeks to inspire youth to develop innovative solutions aimed at practical sustainability. Through this initiative, BE OPEN strives to integrate sustainability principles into the frameworks of future professionals and change-makers.

Founder Elena Baturina articulated the foundation’s mission, stating, "Despite being on a smaller scale, BE OPEN's sustainability program aligns with the goals of raising awareness of the SDGs and the urgent need for action among students. We are committed to encouraging them to engage in revising the plans of action regarding the SDG agenda, considering today's realities. This engagement is crucial for motivating them to play active roles in implementing realistic sustainability actions. Our aspiration is that our program equips younger generations with the knowledge, skills, and passion necessary to address future agendas responsibly."

Continuously, BE OPEN supports and celebrates young visionaries committed to creating solutions that enhance global equity and foster an environmentally prosperous world. This alignment with the forum’s goals demonstrates BE OPEN's dedication to collaboratively shaping a sustainable future.

Conclusion

The participation of BE OPEN in the Forum underscores the foundation's commitment to sustainability and youth engagement. As global challenges intensify, it becomes clear that collaborative, evidence-based approaches are vital in ensuring sustainable progress. Through initiatives like Designing Futures 2050 and dialogues at international forums, BE OPEN empowers future leaders to take actionable steps toward achieving enduring change in alignment with the objectives of the 2030 Agenda.