DESIGNING FUTURES 2050 is an international design competition, developed and held by BE OPEN and our partners. It is open to students and recent graduates/young professionals internationally.

The competition hopes to reach a number of goals:

To raise awareness about the Sustainable Development Goals and the necessity of urgent action among the young and upcoming professionals

To involve younger creatives into adjusting and updating the SDG agenda in the light of the realities of today, and encourage them to take a larger part in the actualization and implementation of the realistic sustainable actions plan

To encourage and reward creation of innovative solutions by younger creatives, for a more prosperous and sustainable future

To contribute to the implementation of the SDGs through identifying, showcasing and promoting creative ideas that support global shift to a sustainable and efficient future.

Design-thinking has a crucial role to play as an instrument or vehicle for the implementation of a more sustainable future. BE OPEN and all the stakeholders involved in this international competition programme strongly believe that creativity is integral in the shift to sustainable existence.

Benefits of BE OPEN Designing Futures International Design Competition

BE OPEN will reward the best work with the following monetary prizes as well as with honorary mentions.

First prize — €5,000

Second prize — €3,000

Third prize — €2,000

BE OPEN Founder’s Choice prize — €3,000

Public Vote prize — €2,000

Requirements for BE OPEN Designing Futures International Design Competition

BE OPEN strives to make the competition programme more beneficial for students and graduates:

The participants can expand their knowledge in sustainability matters and futures studies

The participants can compete for money prizes ranging from €2,000 to €5,000

The participants can get international publicity as talented creatives and innovators

The winners will go on a trip to a major international UNSDG-related event and pitch their ideas to international audiences

DESIGNING FUTURES 2050 has three categories for the submissions to relate to, to help contestants choose their approach to the challenge:

Battling the Problems of Today

Creating the Visions of Tomorrow

Adjusting the Sustainable Development Goals

Thus, the major question that the competition poses against students and graduates all over the world is: “What changes, adjustments, and introductions can be done to help achieve the well-being of all mankind formulated by the sustainable development goals by 2050?”

Selection Process

Timeline:

Open for submissions — September 15, 2024

Deadline for submissions — January 31st, 2025

Announcement of winners — March to April 2025

Celebration of winners — TBC

Application Deadline

January 31, 2025

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to BE OPEN Designing Futures on designingfutures2050.com to apply