UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2025 to Address Digital Challenges in Colombia

Applications are now being accepted for the UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2025, a fully funded event convening in Cartagena, Colombia, from October 23-24. This initiative aims to empower young innovators to develop solutions for critical issues in the digital information landscape, including the proliferation of misinformation, online hate speech, and the ethical implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Global Collaboration for Digital Solutions

The hackathon, a flagship event of UNESCO’s Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week, will bring together young individuals from around the world to collaborate and devise strategies for fostering a more informed and responsible digital environment. The event builds upon the success of the 2024 edition held in Indonesia, which saw the participation of 202 teams.

Winning teams will receive an invitation to present their projects at the Global MIL Week Conference in Cartagena, with UNESCO covering the costs of flights and accommodation. The deadline for applications is August 15, 2025.

Hackathon Details

Host Country: Colombia Location: Cartagena Duration: 2 Days Dates: October 23-24, 2025 Benefits: Fully Funded (Round Airfare Tickets & Accommodation) Deadline: August 15, 2025

Financial Benefits and Program Theme

The UNESCO Global Youth Hackathon offers comprehensive financial support to selected participants, covering round-trip airfare and accommodation. The overarching theme for the 2025 hackathon is "Youth Leading the Way: Building MIL Solutions for Impact."

Program Structure

Participants will benefit from pre-event online mentoring to refine their ideas and proposals. Submitted projects will be evaluated, and winning teams will have the opportunity to showcase their work at the Global MIL Week Conference in Colombia.

Focus Areas

Teams can choose to concentrate on one of the following focus areas:

AI and MIL: Develop innovative solutions to address the challenges posed by AI through media and information literacy. MIL Education: Devise creative approaches to MIL learning in the digital age. Community Impact: Design MIL-based interventions that empower communities. Youth Engagement: Formulate strategies to position youth organizations as MIL change agents. Open Track: Explore other MIL-related ideas aligned with the year’s theme.

Types of Ideas Sought

The hackathon welcomes a variety of project formats, including:

Games Applications/Websites Radio programs/Podcasts Artistic works (comics, short videos, documentaries, etc.) Educational toolkits Youth organization campaigns Community-based interventions Other creative modalities for innovative interventions

Eligibility Criteria

The UNESCO Youth Hackathon is open to applicants worldwide, with the following eligibility requirements:

Nationality: Open to candidates from all countries. Team Size: Teams must consist of 3 to 6 members (national, regional, or international). Age Requirement: All team members must be between 18 and 30 years old. Diversity: Gender balance and inclusivity within teams are strongly encouraged. Experience: No prior experience is necessary; passion and motivation are the primary requirements.

Historical Context and Expert Perspective

The UNESCO Youth Hackathon reflects a growing global recognition of the importance of media and information literacy in navigating the complexities of the digital age. Historically, education systems have focused primarily on traditional literacy skills. However, the rise of the internet and social media has created a need for individuals to critically evaluate information sources, identify misinformation, and engage in responsible online behavior.

Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading expert in digital literacy education, emphasizes the critical role of initiatives like the UNESCO Youth Hackathon. "These programs are essential for equipping young people with the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world," Dr. Sharma explains. "By fostering critical thinking and media literacy, we can empower youth to become informed and engaged citizens who are able to resist misinformation and promote responsible online behavior."

Current Context and Analytical Viewpoint

The hackathon also takes place amidst growing concerns about the impact of AI on information integrity. AI-powered tools can be used to generate deepfakes, spread propaganda, and manipulate public opinion. Therefore, it is crucial for young people to develop a strong understanding of AI and its potential risks, as well as the skills to identify and mitigate these risks.

According to tech analyst, Ben Carter, "The UNESCO Youth Hackathon is particularly timely given the rapid advancements in AI. By focusing on AI and MIL, the hackathon can help young people develop innovative solutions to address the ethical and societal challenges posed by this technology." Carter also notes that the hackathon's emphasis on community impact and youth engagement is crucial for ensuring that MIL initiatives are relevant and effective.

How to Apply

Interested applicants must submit an online application through the UNESCO website. The application link can be found on the official UNESCO website.