Introducing the Designing Futures 2050 Competition
Designing Futures 2050 stands as the sixth international competition launched by the philanthropic educational initiative BE OPEN. This competition targets students, fresh graduates, and aspiring young professionals. The initiative aims to inspire innovative solutions from the next generation of thinkers and doers, all while addressing the urgent matters highlighted by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Purpose Behind the Competition
BE OPEN has meticulously crafted this competition to spark awareness among young professional creatives about the pressing need for action. It aims to adapt the SDGs to our ever-changing world, promoting sustainability values that resonate with today's realities. The competition seeks to spotlight and promote creative ideas that facilitate a global shift towards a sustainable and efficient future.
Insights from the Founder
Elena Baturina, founder of BE OPEN, emphasizes the organization’s commitment: "For the past six years, we have focused on supporting the SDGs through international design competitions. We receive hundreds of imaginative, well-researched projects from young minds around the world every year. Our mission is to educate and empower these young change-makers, providing them with a platform for discussion, self-education, and growth. We demonstrate that their voices matter in shaping our collective future."
Submissions and Categories
The competition features three distinct submission categories, allowing participants to select a tailored approach to the significant challenge they will tackle: Battling the Problems of Today, Creating the Visions of Tomorrow, and Adjusting the SDGs. This structure is designed to incite creativity while aligning submissions with urgent global needs.
Emphasizing Creativity for Sustainability
At the core of BE OPEN's philosophy is the belief that creativity is indispensable for achieving sustainable development. To realize the SDGs, innovative and forward-thinking ideas are essential. Design thinking serves as a powerful tool to bridge gaps, proposing novel approaches and solutions to contemporary issues.
Rewards and Recognition
The competition not only fosters creativity but also acknowledges outstanding efforts with monetary prizes ranging between €2,000 and €5,000. An international jury of experts will evaluate entries to determine the top 50 and announce the winners of the first, second, and third prizes. Additionally, the Founder's Choice prize, personally awarded by Elena Baturina, offers further recognition. Popular voting will also play a role, enabling the public to choose a winner through an online ballot among the top 50 submissions.
Conclusion
Designing Futures 2050 is not just a competition; it's a movement aimed at equipping the youth of today with the necessary tools and platforms to champion sustainable change. By encouraging young creatives to engage with the SDGs, BE OPEN aims to inspire a new generation dedicated to reimagining our world's future. Together, they can create impactful solutions that resonate with the values of sustainability and responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of the Designing Futures 2050 competition?
The competition aims to inspire innovative solutions for a sustainable future while aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Who can participate in the competition?
Students, graduates, and young professionals in creative and engineering fields are eligible to enter the competition.
What are the categories for submissions?
Participants can submit their creations under three categories: Battling the Problems of Today, Creating the Visions of Tomorrow, and Adjusting the SDGs.
What prizes can winners expect to receive?
Winners will receive monetary prizes ranging from €2,000 to €5,000 based on their project submissions.
How does BE OPEN support young creatives?
BE OPEN provides a platform for discussion, self-education, and opportunities for young people to lead in sustainable initiatives through competitions like Designing Futures 2050.
