Deadline: September 1, 2025
Are you a young innovator passionate about tackling misinformation, AI-driven challenges, and digital literacy? The UNESCO Global Youth Hackathon 2025 is calling for youth worldwide to join this year’s transformative programme and take the lead in shaping a more informed and inclusive digital future.
This flagship initiative forms part of the Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week 2025, bringing together creative young minds from across the globe to design innovative solutions for today’s most pressing information challenges.
About the UNESCO Global Youth Hackathon 2025
The UNESCO Global Youth Hackathon 2025 empowers youth aged 18 to 30 to collaborate, innovate, and create actionable solutions to key digital challenges such as:
- Misinformation and disinformation
- Online hate speech
- Artificial Intelligence and information integrity
- The dominance of digital platforms
Under the theme “Youth Leading the Way: Building MIL Solutions for Impact”, participants will work in teams, gain mentorship from international experts, and compete for the opportunity to present their solutions at a global platform.
Key Dates and Timeline
- Registration Period: July 31 – August 15, 2025
- Mentoring Sessions: August 19 – 20, 2025 (online with global experts)
- Submission Window: August 8 – September 1, 2025
- Evaluation Period: September 1 – 12, 2025
- Final Presentations: October 23 – 24, 2025 at the Global MIL Week Conference, Cartagena, Colombia
Hackathon Focus Areas (Tracks)
Participants can submit projects under the following tracks:
- AI & MIL – Addressing Artificial Intelligence-related challenges through media literacy.
- MIL Education – Innovative approaches to teaching and learning MIL.
- Community Impact – Strengthening local communities through MIL initiatives.
- Youth Engagement – Empowering youth organisations as champions of MIL.
- Open Track – Any other impactful ideas aligned with MIL principles.
Who Can Participate?
- Age: 18–30 years old.
- Team Composition: 3–6 members (national, regional, or international teams are welcome).
- Inclusivity: Gender balance and inclusivity are strongly encouraged.
- Experience: No prior hackathon experience is required—only creativity, motivation, and a drive to create change.
Submission Requirements
Each participating team must submit:
- A Proposal Document (PDF or Word, in English, maximum size 10MB).
- A Pitch Video (maximum 3 minutes, hosted on any accessible platform with a shared link).
Benefits of Joining the UNESCO Global Youth Hackathon 2025
- Mentorship from Global Experts: Receive professional guidance to refine your project before submission.
- International Recognition: Winners will present their solutions at the Global MIL Week Conference in Cartagena, Colombia (October 23–24, 2025).
- Travel and Accommodation Fully Covered: UNESCO will sponsor two representatives from each winning team.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with leading experts, policymakers, and youth changemakers from around the world.
Why Apply for the UNESCO Global Youth Hackathon 2025?
This hackathon is more than a competition—it’s a movement to ensure youth voices are at the forefront of digital transformation. By participating, you’ll have the chance to build impactful solutions, gain international exposure, and contribute to a global agenda for a more informed and inclusive society.
Ready to Take Part?
For proposal drafting, refining, and review, contact us.
