Winners Unveiled in the Designing Futures 2050 Competition
BE OPEN has proudly announced the winners of its sixth international competition, designed for students, graduates, and young professionals. The initiative aims to inspire a new generation of creative thinkers to develop solutions that support sustainable development goals set by the United Nations. Through this competition, young creatives are encouraged to contribute their ideas toward a better future, reflecting a collective commitment to global sustainability.
Inception of the Designing Futures 2050 Competition
In 2019, BE OPEN established this competition to raise awareness among emerging talent in creative and engineering fields about the importance of sustainability. This latest event follows five previous competitions focusing on various sustainable development goals. Each iteration reinforces the mission of fostering innovative thinking and action among the youth.
Elena Baturina's Vision
Elena Baturina, the founder of BE OPEN, has been instrumental in promoting sustainability through creativity. She shared her thoughts on the competition, stating, "Over the past six years, our journey has been deeply rewarding. We receive a wealth of innovative ideas from talented individuals worldwide, reaffirming that empowering youth as leaders of sustainable change is the only way forward. We strive to create an environment that fosters knowledge, collaboration, and creativity, encouraging them to take charge of their future."
A Focus on Practical Sustainability
The Designing Futures 2050 competition focused on practical applications of sustainability principles. By showcasing unique and actionable ideas, it aims to drive a global shift towards sustainable practices. Participants engaged in rethinking the sustainable development agenda to align with today’s realities, promoting active participation in implementing effective sustainability solutions.
Expertise of the Jury Panel
The assessment of entries was thoughtfully conducted by an esteemed panel of judges, including leading experts in futures studies and academia. This distinguished group featured individuals such as Professor Jennifer Gidley, named among the "World's Top 50 Female Futurists". Alongside her were Victor Vahidi Motti, co-founder of the Alternative Planetary Futures Institute, and others like Ashton Moseley, an industrial designer and educator, and Grace Young, recognized for her contributions to environmentalism.
Exciting Prize Announcements
The competition revealed a remarkable array of talent among the participants. The first prize, which includes a grant of 5,000 euros, was awarded to Ajisafe Damilola Ifeoluwa from Nigeria for the project titled "Redefining Global Healthcare: adjusting the SDGs for scalable practical impact." Two second prizes were similarly competitive, each worth 2,500 euros. These went to projects focused on transforming plastic waste into sustainable construction materials and the innovative use of algae for environmental purposes.
The entries that received equal credit from the judges demonstrate a promising future for sustainable solutions. All winners showcased creativity in tackling some of the world’s most pressing issues, embodying the spirit of the competition.
Future Announcements
This year, BE OPEN is also eager to announce winners of the Public Vote and the Founder’s Choice prize, selected by Elena Baturina herself, later this month. These special recognitions will celebrate not only the creativity displayed by contestants but also engage a wider audience in the conversation about sustainable practices and creative solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Designing Futures 2050 competition about?
It is an international competition aimed at inspiring young creatives to develop innovative solutions aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Who organizes the competition?
BE OPEN, founded by Elena Baturina, organizes this competition to foster awareness and action toward sustainability.
What are the main goals of this initiative?
The initiative encourages young talents to create impactful projects that promote sustainable practices and solutions for a better future.
Who were the judges for this year’s competition?
The panel consisted of several esteemed experts in sustainability and futures studies, including prominent figures in academia and industry.
When will the further prize winners be announced?
The winners of the Public Vote and the Founder’s Choice prize will be announced later this month, celebrating even more creative efforts from participants.
