Deadline: 16-Dec-2025
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is launching an AI-focused innovation initiative in Ho Chi Minh City to engage 200 youth in developing tech solutions for climate challenges in the Mekong Delta. Participants will design AI-driven prototypes with guidance from 50–80 industry mentors, contributing to Vietnam’s digital transformation and green transition priorities. The programme runs from December 2025 to February 2026 and includes a kick-off event and a two-day hackathon.
Programme Overview
The UNDP AI Innovation Programme aims to harness the creativity and technical skills of young innovators to address urgent environmental and social challenges in Vietnam’s climate-vulnerable Mekong Delta. Key objectives include:
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Engaging urban youth in practical AI-driven climate solutions
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Building leadership, technical, and design thinking skills
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Encouraging collaboration between digital talent and rural climate realities
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Contributing to Vietnam’s dual priorities of digital transformation and green transition
Key Components
1. Youth Participation
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Number of Participants: 200 youth from Ho Chi Minh City
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Focus Areas: Artificial intelligence, data science, design thinking
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Goal: Develop practical, prototype solutions addressing environmental and social challenges in the Mekong Delta
2. Mentorship and Expert Guidance
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Mentors: 50–80 industry professionals and MUFG mentors
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Support Provided:
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Technical guidance on AI and data-driven solutions
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Leadership development and team coaching
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Feedback on prototypes and solution design
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3. Events and Hackathon Structure
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Kick-Off Event: Half-day session for ~70 participants
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Hackathon: Two-day in-person event for 200 participants
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Accessibility: Inclusive arrangements for persons with disabilities
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Hybrid Options: Livestream or remote participation depending on UNDP agreement
4. Organising Institution Responsibilities
The selected academic institution will manage:
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Venue rental and professional setup
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Catering (without single-use plastics)
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Workshop materials preparation
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Participant coordination and communications
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Marketing and media documentation
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Simultaneous interpretation for pitching sessions if needed
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Ensuring inclusive and accessible programming
Who is Eligible?
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Academic institutions in Ho Chi Minh City capable of hosting large-scale, professional events
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Institutions with experience in technology, innovation, and youth engagement
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Organisers able to manage logistics, mentor coordination, and hybrid participation
Why It Matters
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Youth Empowerment: Provides young innovators with tools, mentorship, and experience to address climate challenges
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Sustainable Solutions: Promotes AI-driven approaches for environmental resilience
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Capacity Building: Strengthens collaboration between urban talent and rural climate-affected communities
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Strategic Partnerships: Demonstrates the power of cross-sector engagement for national development goals
How the Programme Works
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Recruitment of Participants: Selection of 200 motivated youth from Ho Chi Minh City
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Kick-Off Event: Half-day introductory session to introduce goals, mentors, and teams
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Mentorship Phase: Continuous guidance from 50–80 industry experts to refine project ideas
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Two-Day Hackathon: Intensive, in-person event for prototyping, testing, and pitching AI solutions
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Final Evaluation: Presentation of prototypes, with feedback and potential recognition by UNDP and partners
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Documentation and Reporting: Media coverage, livestreaming, and post-event evaluation by the implementing institution
Common Mistakes & Tips
Tips:
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Ensure all events are accessible and inclusive
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Coordinate logistics and mentorship schedules in advance
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Prepare workshop materials aligned with AI and climate solution goals
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Plan hybrid or livestream support if required by UNDP
Common Mistakes:
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Neglecting accessibility measures for participants with disabilities
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Failing to properly manage mentorship coordination
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Overlooking media documentation and post-event reporting requirements
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Insufficient preparation for hybrid or technical needs
FAQ
1. Who can participate in the programme?
Youth aged 18–30 from Ho Chi Minh City with an interest in AI, technology, and climate solutions.
2. What is the duration of the programme?
The programme runs from December 2025 to February 2026, including a kick-off and two-day hackathon.
3. What support will participants receive?
Mentorship from 50–80 industry experts, technical guidance, leadership development, and team-based collaboration opportunities.
4. What is the expected output from participants?
AI-driven prototype solutions addressing climate and social challenges in the Mekong Delta.
5. What responsibilities does the academic institution have?
Organising events, logistics, marketing, media documentation, participant coordination, and ensuring accessibility.
6. Are hybrid or remote options available?
Yes, livestream or hybrid participation may be provided depending on the agreement with UNDP.
7. How does this initiative contribute to Vietnam’s priorities?
It promotes digital transformation and green transition while building youth capacity for climate resilience.
Conclusion
The UNDP AI Innovation Programme empowers youth to co-create practical AI solutions for climate challenges in the Mekong Delta. By integrating mentorship, collaborative hackathons, and strategic partnerships, the initiative strengthens digital skills, encourages sustainable development, and fosters community engagement. Proper planning, accessibility, and robust mentorship ensure that participants gain meaningful experience while contributing to Vietnam’s climate resilience and technological growth.
For more information, visit UNDP.