Design and Critical Thinking for a Sustainable Future
The Blue Challenge ‘25 is an initiative promoted by the Blue Design Alliance (BDA), which challenges secondary school students from all over Portugal to explore, through art and design, one of the most pressing issues of our time: sustainable water management.
The reflection that drives this competition is clear: ‘Can we guarantee our survival in a future without water?’. Through projects that combine creativity and critical thinking, we aim to encourage new ways of looking at water resources and finding solutions to global challenges.
Focussing on the UN's Sustainable Development Goals — Drinking Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Sustainable Consumption and Production (SDG 12) and Protection of Marine Life (SDG 14) — the Blue Challenge ‘25 invites students to turn ideas into actions.
Who can take part?
Students enrolled in the 12th year of secondary education in the 2024/2025 school year. For underage participants, the application must be submitted by a parent, guardian or teacher.
Competition categories
Students can submit projects in one of the following categories:
- A — Poster/Illustration/Drawing/Painting
- B — Product/Equipment/Packaging
- C — Video/Animation
Each participant may submit only one individual project, which must reflect originality, rigour and creativity in its approach to the theme.
Prizes
The winners of each category will receive
An iPad + Apple Pencil (or equivalent product if unavailable).
In addition, the winning projects will be featured in educational activities organised by the Blue Design Alliance.
How to take part?
- Regulations: Available Online
Link - Registration: Fill in the online form available
Link - Project submission: Submit your work in hard copy by 20 May 2025 to the ESAD secretariat or send it by post.
Note: The application must include a brief description of the project.
Calendar
- Registration opens: 4 November 2024
- Submission Deadline: 20 May 2025
- Awards Ceremony: 4 June 2025
Why take part?
Blue Challenge ‘25 is more than a competition. It's an opportunity to:
- Reflect on the future of the planet and the environmental challenges related to water.
- Develop creative skills in design and visual arts.
- Contribute to a more sustainable world, in line with the UN's 2030 Agenda.