UNESCO Global Youth Hackathon 2025: Youth Leading the Way with Digital Innovation

Are you between 18 and 30 and passionate about shaping the future of digital media? UNESCO’s Global Youth Hackathon 2025 invites youth teams worldwide to co-create innovative solutions in the fields of Media and Information Literacy (MIL). With mentorship from international experts and the opportunity to present at the Global MIL Week Conference in Cartagena, Colombia, this is your chance to lead impactful change.

Why It Matters

In an age dominated by AI-driven misinformation, digital platform power plays, and online hate speech, UNESCO’s hackathon empowers youth to craft solutions that promote informed, inclusive, and responsible digital spaces.

Key Features

• Mentoring Support: All registered teams receive free online mentoring from MIL experts to refine their project ideas.
• Global Platform: Winning teams can send two representatives to present their ideas at the Global MIL Week Conference in Cartagena, Colombia (23–24 October 2025), with round-trip airfare and accommodation covered by UNESCO.

What You Can Work On: Challenge Tracks

Hackathon submissions should fit one or more of these focus areas:

1. AI & MIL – Address AI-related media literacy challenges
2. MIL Education – Innovate learning approaches in MIL
3. Community Impact – Empower local communities through literacy initiatives
4. Youth Engagement – Mobilize youth organizations as MIL advocates
5. Open Track – Any creative idea aligned with MIL goals

Acceptable Submission Formats

Be as creative as you like—your project could be:

• A game, app, or website
• A radio program, podcast, or digital comic
• An artistic intervention, toolkit, or community campaign
• Other inventive modalities tackling MIL issues

Who Can Participate?

• Teams of 3–6 members, from the same or different countries
• Ages 18–30
• Must reflect UNESCO values (peace, diversity, freedom of expression)
• Gender balance encouraged
• No prior experience required—just creativity and drive!

How to Apply & Important Dates

How to Apply:

1. Register your team and provide accurate details.
2. Submit a proposal document (Word or PDF, ≤10 MB) outlining your concept, impact, sustainability, and originality.
3. Upload a 3-minute pitch video hosted on any accessible platform with a public link.

Why Join This Hackathon?

• Access expert guidance even before submissions
• Gain international exposure and recognition
• Win full travel support to present in Colombia
• Contribute to a shift toward informed, equitable digital spaces

The UNESCO Global Youth Hackathon 2025 is your chance to drive meaningful change through innovative, youth-led media literacy solutions—from AI to education, community projects, or artistic interventions. Submit your entry by September 1, 2025, and let your voice lead the digital future in Cartagena.