The UNESCO Global Youth Hackathon 2025 is back, inviting young innovators worldwide to create groundbreaking solutions for today’s digital challenges. Organized as part of UNESCO’s Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week, the hackathon empowers youth to address pressing issues such as artificial intelligence (AI) ethics, misinformation, online hate speech, and threats to information integrity.
This year’s theme, “Youth Leading the Way: Building MIL Solutions for Impact,” encourages participants aged 18 to 30 to collaborate, innovate, and develop impactful media and information literacy solutions.
Why Participate?
- Win a Trip to Colombia: Each winning team can select two representatives to attend UNESCO’s Global MIL Week Conference on 23–24 October 2025 in Cartagena, Colombia – with travel and accommodation fully covered.
- Global Recognition: Present your project to an international audience of policymakers, experts, and organizations.
- Free Mentorship: All participants receive online guidance from global experts prior to final submission.
- Real Impact: Your solution could influence how communities worldwide combat misinformation, navigate AI, and strengthen digital literacy.
Who Can Apply?
- Teams of 3–6 members, national, regional, or international.
- All members must be 18–30 years old.
- Open to all backgrounds, no prior experience required.
- Projects should promote peace, diversity, and freedom of expression.
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Focus Areas (Challenge Tracks)
- AI & MIL – Addressing AI-related challenges through media literacy.
- MIL Education – Innovative digital-age learning solutions.
- Community Impact – Empowering communities with MIL-based interventions.
- Youth Engagement – Strengthening youth-led MIL initiatives.
- Open Track – Any MIL-related idea supporting the theme.
What to Submit?
- Proposal Document (PDF/Word): Include objectives, problem statement, target audience, concept, sustainability, and impact.
- Pitch Video (max 3 minutes): A clear, engaging presentation of your project idea.
Deadline to Apply: 1 September 2025 (23:59 CET)
Join this global platform to showcase your creativity, fight digital misinformation, and lead meaningful change.
For more details, visit UNESCO’s official website and prepare your submission today.
