International student competitions have been on for the past six years to support sustainable causes. Developed by BE OPEN think-tank, they aim to raise awareness of SDGs and contribute to achieving them by recognizing and awarding the best ideas and projects.
In her interview, founder of BE OPEN Elena Baturina speaks about the ongoing Designing Futures 2050 competition and the hopes to translate the necessity of urgent action among the young and upcoming professionals, involve them into updating the SDGs agenda in the light of the realities of today, and encourage them to take a larger part in realistic sustainable actions plans.
Could you share about motivation behind the SDGs-focused competitions?
Elena Baturina, Founder of BE OPEN: Absolutely. Our main objective is to increase public knowledge of the SDGs and aid in their realization. Through our competitions, we recognize, showcase, promote, and award the best design ideas from young people around the world. Each year, we receive hundreds of creative and well-researched projects that reassure us that educating and motivating young people is essential for driving sustainable change. These contests give people a place to talk, share ideas, and educate themselves.
How does the ongoing competition DESIGNING FUTURES 2050 ties to the SDGs?
EB: DESIGNING FUTURES 2050 competition is to inspire young artists to revise and modernize the SDG agenda in light of current events. Inspiring them to actively engage in carrying out practical and long-term action plans is its goal.
How in your view can young people approach such an ambitious task?
EB: At the moment we are looking into futures studies, which explore alternative and desired futures, and seem a great tool for living in the world that is becoming increasingly complex and uncertain. Beyond merely attempting to forecast the future, this contemporary field now looks at the attitudes and viewpoints that influence both desired and feasible futures.
While some people actively work to create bright futures, many use futures studies to reduce risks and steer clear of bad situations. At BE OPEN, we believe that building a roadmap to a better future requires addressing key conflicts of today’s world. In times of growing disconnectedness, we want young minds to design a vision for shared futures they may be living in.
These days, schools barely provide futures studies courses. Will you contribute to making futures education more accessible?
EB: You are correct – currently, only a few universities offer comprehensive futures studies programs. To bridge this gap, BE OPEN is partnering with futures studies institutions to create an open futures literacy course. The program will consist of online and offline sessions led by world-renowned experts. Reaching students who do not have access to these materials is our goal in order to increase their comprehension of upcoming research. At the MED9 Summit and UNECE Forum on ESD, we discussed this effort since we think it can play a significant role in ESD.
How does BE OPEN plan to integrate futures studies and SDG-focused programs in general into higher education?
EB: We are advocating for the inclusion of such programs in university curriculums through the schools involvement into our competitions because they significantly enhance student engagement and problem-solving motivation. We plan to invite professors from universities worldwide to serve as jury members for the Designing Futures 2050 competition. And we will offer them resources to deepen their understanding of futures studies, which they can then share with their students.
Are there any ongoing efforts that include your previous participants?
EB: They play an integral role. Former participants are contacted and invited to participate in our next initiatives. We offer them a platform to share their experiences through social media, amplifying our message and inspiring others.Additionally, we will shortly provide all of the winners and winning teams from our last competition a platform to speak about the value of sustainability in education at COP29 in Baku., personal lives, and future careers. Just as we did for last year’s winners at the COP28 in Dubai, and the Student Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi.
What plans does BE OPEN have for these contests and projects going forward?
EB: Our goal is to build a knowledge base that will help young people meet the difficulties that lie ahead. By providing opportunities for creative expression, collaboration, and learning, we hope to inspire them to take ownership of shaping the future. Utilizing digital formats, strategic partnerships, and credentialing, we aim to expand the impact of our work and equip a new generation with the skills and perspectives needed for a better tomorrow.
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