BE OPEN has launched its global initiative, Designing Futures 2050, aiming to ignite sustainable innovation among the youth. This international contest encourages young professionals to engage in creative solutions for a better future. By focusing on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, it seeks widespread impact.
In collaboration with global partners, this is the sixth edition of BE OPEN’s commendable effort to galvanise the next generation. It is designed to foster a culture of responsibility and forward-thinking, crucial for addressing today’s pressing issues. Participants are encouraged to think creatively, contributing to a transition towards sustainability.
The Competition Aims To Address Unmet SDG Targets
BE OPEN’s Designing Futures 2050 is an international contest inspiring young innovators. This is the sixth edition coordinated by BE OPEN, engaging with partners globally. It targets students, graduates, and young professionals. The aim is to promote sustainable development under the United Nations’ programme. Notably, only 17% of the SDGs are progressing as expected, indicating a significant challenge.
The United Nations has reported that merely a minor segment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is on track. Many goals show little progress, and a significant number have stalled. COVID-19, increasing conflicts, and climate issues are major obstacles. This highlights the urgent requirement for enhanced global cooperation to advance the SDGs.
The competition aspires to actualise sustainability by embracing innovative thinking. It encourages the use of creative solutions to fill this gap and aims to foster a sustainable future. Creative individuals from varied fields are invited to participate in shaping this vision.
Elena Baturina, BE OPEN’s founder, shared her insights on the initiative, “For the past six years, we at BE OPEN have worked to support the Sustainable Development Goals by running international student design competitions. Each year, we gather hundreds of outstanding, well-researched, and creative projects from young people around the globe.”
BE OPEN: Addressing The Gap
BE OPEN launched this competition to engage young minds in meaningful practices. It motivates participants to explore the Sustainable Development Goals. The hope is to transform these goals into reality by fostering creativity and engineering talent.
The competition provides a platform for young innovators to express their ideas and develop solutions. BE OPEN sees potential in youth and seeks to harness it for sustainability. This initiative is built to adapt the goals to current challenges.
Baturina stated, “We are continually reassured that educating and motivating young individuals to lead sustainable change is the way forward. Every year, we strive to enhance our platform for discussion and idea exchange, providing opportunities for self-education, boosting confidence, and helping them recognise their importance.”
How To Join
Participants are invited to submit projects in categories like Tackling Today’s Issues and Envisioning Tomorrow. Submissions should focus on applying the Sustainable Development Goals in innovative ways. Creativity is a key factor.
The competition encourages unconventional solutions for sustainable living. It recognises design thinking as crucial for implementing the UN SDGs. The use of creative action is vital to achieve these goals effectively.
Top entries will receive rewards, including: First prize — €5,000; Second prize — €3,000; Third prize — €2,000; BE OPEN Founder’s Choice prize — €3,000; and a Public Vote prize — €2,000.
An international jury—comprising BE OPEN Community, business and academic representatives, and sustainability experts—will judge the submissions. They will select 50 honourable mentions, choosing winners for the main prizes.
Engaging the Global Youth
The competition has a broad appeal to young people worldwide. It is designed to inspire new generations to think about sustainability seriously.
This initiative not only targets creative professionals but also engineers. They are encouraged to provide real-world solutions to pressing environmental issues.
The award gives participants recognition on a global scale. This could significantly boost their confidence and professional credentials.
Monetary Awards and Recognition
Monetary prizes enhance the appeal of the competition. They not only provide financial support but also increase the visibility of participants’ ideas. Recognition can motivate young individuals to delve deeper into sustainable practices.
Alongside monetary prizes, there are honorary recognitions. These include Founder’s Choice and Public Vote awards. Such recognitions can play a pivotal role in career development.
Engagement in the competition provides a practical avenue for participants to exhibit their skills, developing networks and building a reputation within sustainability-focused circles.
Jury and Selection Process
An esteemed panel plays a crucial role in maintaining competition standards. BE OPEN’s community, business experts, and academics comprise this diverse jury.
Their various backgrounds ensure a fair assessment of projects. They bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the selection process.
Such diversity within the jury ensures that entries are evaluated from multiple perspectives. This underscores the global aspect of the competition.
Importance of Creativity
BE OPEN cherishes creativity as a vital element for sustainable solutions. By engaging youth, it fosters innovation crucial for addressing today’s environmental challenges.
The organisation believes creativity combined with strategic thinking can drive change. This approach is essential in progressing towards long-term sustainability.
Encouraging creativity among young professionals helps in nurturing skills that are imperative for future challenges.
Impact on the Sustainable Development Goals
This competition serves as a catalyst for achieving UN SDGs by inspiring youth innovation. It aims to address environmental issues by bringing fresh perspectives.
By promoting ideas tailored to the present global needs, it seeks to make these goals more attainable. Young participants contribute to innovative solutions, pushing boundaries and expanding possibilities.
An active approach towards SDGs helps in establishing a sustainable path for future generations. Such initiatives are crucial for global well-being.
Leveraging Social Media for Outreach
Social media is a powerful tool for engaging a wider audience. BE OPEN uses various platforms to reach potential participants and stakeholders.
Through strategic online campaigns, the competition gains visibility and attracts diverse talent. This helps in expanding its reach globally.
Effective digital strategies ensure the competition messages resonate well with the target audience. This can lead to increased participation and awareness.
The Future of Designing Futures 2050
Looking ahead, BE OPEN intends to enhance its initiatives, reaching more individuals globally. The aim is to establish a robust platform for sustainable idea exchange.
Expansion plans include incorporating more interactive elements in the competition. This could further stimulate interest and engagement among participants.
BE OPEN envisions a future where sustainable solutions are an integral part of global practices. This competition is a stepping stone towards that vision.
BE OPEN continues to play a transformative role in promoting sustainable practices among the youth. The competition not only provides a platform for innovative expression but also inspires responsibility towards a sustainable future.
