Site icon fundsforNGOs

Entries Open: UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2026

fundsforngos
Join the Hack for Earth Youth Hackathon at COP27

Deadline: 16-Aug-2026

The UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2026 invites young people aged 18–30 to collaborate in teams and develop innovative solutions that promote Media and Information Literacy (MIL). The hackathon welcomes creative ideas ranging from AI-powered tools and educational resources to community initiatives, digital platforms, podcasts, games, and multimedia projects that foster an informed, inclusive, and responsible digital society.

UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2026: Call for Innovative Media and Information Literacy Solutions

The UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2026 is a global innovation challenge that empowers young changemakers to design creative and practical solutions that strengthen Media and Information Literacy (MIL). The initiative encourages participants to address emerging digital challenges, promote critical thinking, combat misinformation, and create inclusive learning opportunities through innovative technologies, education, and community engagement.

The hackathon brings together diverse teams from around the world to develop projects that contribute to a safer, more informed, and equitable digital future while reflecting UNESCO’s values of peace, diversity, inclusion, and freedom of expression.

Focus Areas

Participants are encouraged to develop projects under one of the following themes:

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Media and Information Literacy (MIL)
  • Media and Information Literacy Education
  • Community Impact through MIL
  • Youth Engagement and Leadership
  • Open Track for innovative MIL-related ideas aligned with the hackathon theme

What Types of Projects Can Be Submitted?

The hackathon welcomes a wide range of innovative solutions, including:

  • Mobile applications
  • Websites and digital platforms
  • Educational games
  • Radio programs
  • Podcasts
  • Educational toolkits
  • Comics
  • Short films and documentaries
  • Community-based interventions
  • Youth organization campaigns
  • Digital storytelling projects
  • Other creative Media and Information Literacy initiatives

Projects should demonstrate originality, practical application, and measurable social impact.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Teams must consist of 2 to 6 members.
  • Every team member must be 18 to 30 years of age.
  • Teams may be:
  • Participants should support UNESCO’s values, including:
    • Peace
    • Diversity
    • Inclusion
    • Freedom of expression
  • Gender balance and inclusive participation are strongly encouraged.
  • Previous hackathon or technical experience is not required.

Selection and Evaluation Process

Projects will be evaluated by international experts between 18 August and 13 September.

Each submission will be reviewed independently by three experts to ensure a fair and transparent evaluation process.

Evaluation criteria include:

  • Alignment with the hackathon theme
  • Understanding and application of Media and Information Literacy principles
  • Innovation and creativity
  • Quality and clarity of presentation
  • Technical and practical feasibility
  • Long-term sustainability
  • Social impact
  • Inclusion and accessibility
  • Potential to benefit diverse and marginalized communities

Why This Hackathon Matters

Media and Information Literacy has become increasingly important in today’s digital world, where misinformation, artificial intelligence, digital manipulation, and online safety present growing challenges.

The UNESCO Youth Hackathon encourages young innovators to:

  • Promote responsible digital citizenship.
  • Strengthen critical thinking skills.
  • Improve digital and media literacy.
  • Develop innovative AI-powered learning solutions.
  • Support community resilience against misinformation.
  • Empower young people as leaders in digital transformation.
  • Create inclusive solutions that benefit underserved communities.

The initiative provides an opportunity for youth to contribute practical ideas that address real-world challenges while supporting a more informed and inclusive society.

How to Apply

Interested teams should follow these steps:

  1. Form a team of 2 to 6 eligible members aged between 18 and 30 years.
  2. Select one of the official hackathon focus areas.
  3. Design an innovative solution that promotes Media and Information Literacy.
  4. Prepare a clear project concept explaining:
    • The problem being addressed.
    • The proposed solution.
    • Expected community impact.
    • Innovation and sustainability.
  5. Choose the most suitable project format, such as an app, website, educational toolkit, campaign, podcast, game, or multimedia project.
  6. Ensure the proposal reflects UNESCO’s values of inclusion, diversity, and freedom of expression.
  7. Submit the completed project before the application deadline.

Application Tips

To strengthen your submission:

  • Focus on solving a real Media and Information Literacy challenge.
  • Clearly explain how the solution benefits communities.
  • Demonstrate originality and creativity.
  • Design a solution that is practical and scalable.
  • Consider accessibility and inclusion from the beginning.
  • Present the project using clear visuals and concise language.
  • Show how the project can continue delivering impact beyond the hackathon.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid the following when preparing your submission:

  • Developing ideas unrelated to Media and Information Literacy.
  • Submitting overly technical solutions without practical value.
  • Ignoring community needs or user experience.
  • Providing unclear project objectives.
  • Failing to demonstrate sustainability.
  • Neglecting inclusion and accessibility considerations.
  • Presenting incomplete or poorly structured proposals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can participate in the UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2026?

Young people aged 18 to 30 years participating in teams of 2 to 6 members.

Is prior technical experience required?

No. Participants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, and prior hackathon or technical experience is not required.

What types of projects are accepted?

The hackathon accepts apps, websites, games, podcasts, educational resources, campaigns, documentaries, community initiatives, comics, and other innovative Media and Information Literacy solutions.

Can teams include members from different countries?

Yes. National, regional, and international teams are all eligible.

How will projects be evaluated?

Projects are assessed on innovation, alignment with Media and Information Literacy principles, feasibility, sustainability, presentation quality, inclusion, and overall social impact.

When will projects be evaluated?

International experts will review submissions between 18 August and 13 September.

What makes a strong submission?

Successful projects present innovative, practical, inclusive, and sustainable solutions that address real Media and Information Literacy challenges while demonstrating clear community impact.

Conclusion

The UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2026 offers young innovators a unique opportunity to create impactful Media and Information Literacy solutions that address today’s digital challenges. By encouraging creativity, collaboration, and inclusive innovation, the hackathon empowers youth to develop practical ideas that strengthen digital literacy, promote responsible information use, and contribute to a more informed, resilient, and equitable global society.

For more information, visit UNESCO.

Exit mobile version