Who is eligible to apply for the UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2025?

Young innovators aged 18–30. Teams should consist of 3–6 members. Participants do not need to be students; early-career professionals and non-students are welcome.

Which countries can apply?

The competition is global. Applicants from any country may apply; selected/winning teams will travel to Cartagena, Colombia for final presentations if funded.

What is the deadline month for applications?

Registration and application activities take place in August 2025, with final proposal submissions typically due by 1 September 2025. Check the official call for exact dates.

Is the trip to Colombia fully funded?

Yes — winning teams invited to present at Global MIL Week in Cartagena receive fully funded airfare, accommodation, and meals for the final event.

Do I need programming skills to join?

No. Technical skills help but are not required. Teams often include members with diverse strengths such as design, communication, education, project management, and tech.

What project formats are accepted?

Accepted formats include apps or websites, educational games, podcasts/videos/documentaries, campaigns and toolkits, community outreach programs, and other creative MIL solutions.

How do I apply and prepare a strong submission?

Form a 3–6 member team, register within the announced window, attend mentoring sessions, prepare a clear written proposal (PDF/Word) and a 3-minute pitch video, and emphasize innovation, feasibility, inclusivity, and measurable impact.

UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2025 in Colombia (Fully Funded)

The UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2025 is back—and this time, it’s bigger, bolder, and more global than ever before. Set to take place in Cartagena, Colombia, during the Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week, this fully funded competition offers young innovators a platform to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in today’s digital landscape.

With themes focusing on misinformation, hate speech, artificial intelligence, and digital inclusion, this hackathon empowers young minds to create solutions that shape a safer and more informed online world.

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Q: How are projects judged?

Projects are evaluated on creativity, feasibility, impact, inclusivity, and alignment with UNESCO's Media and Information Literacy objectives.

About the UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2025

The Youth Hackathon is part of UNESCO’s global commitment to promoting Media and Information Literacy as a key skill in the modern era. It’s designed to bring together innovators aged 18–30 from across the globe to collaborate, create, and pitch projects that address real-world issues.

This year’s edition carries the powerful theme:
"Youth Leading the Way – Building MIL Solutions for Impact"
It’s all about enabling youth to design innovative solutions using creativity, technology, and teamwork.

UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2025 in Colombia (Fully Funded)

Who Can Apply?

The competition is open to:

Age group: 18–30 years
Team size: 3–6 members (national or international)
Diversity encouraged: UNESCO strongly encourages gender balance and inclusion of members from diverse backgrounds.
Experience: You don’t need to be a tech expert—your passion, creativity, and willingness to learn matter most.

Key Dates

Here’s the timeline for the 2025 edition:

Registration: 31 July – 15 August 2025
Secure your spot to gain access to mentoring and updates.
Mentoring Sessions: 19–20 August 2025
Online expert-led guidance to strengthen your project idea.
Proposal Submission: 8 August – 1 September 2025
Submit a written proposal (PDF or Word) along with a 3-minute pitch video.
Evaluation: 1–12 September 2025
Projects will be assessed based on creativity, feasibility, inclusivity, and potential impact.
Final Presentation in Colombia: 23–24 October 2025
Winning teams will present their projects during Global MIL Week in Cartagena.

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Focus Areas

Teams can choose one or more of these tracks:

AI & Media Literacy – Tools and solutions to help people understand AI and its ethical use.
MIL Education – Innovative ways to integrate MIL into schools and communities.
Community Impact – Projects targeting local issues related to misinformation and digital literacy.
Youth Engagement – Encouraging young people to take the lead in shaping a safe information environment.
Open Track – Any unique, impactful idea that fits within MIL’s objectives.

Possible Project Formats

Your project can be in the form of:

Mobile apps or websites
Educational games
Podcasts, videos, or documentaries
Campaigns, workshops, and community outreach programs
Creative toolkits for schools or youth groups

Benefits of Participation

This hackathon is fully funded for the winners, but even if you don’t make it to the final stage, the benefits are huge:

Fully Funded Trip to Colombia – Winning teams get free airfare, accommodation, and meals during the final presentation in Cartagena.
Mentorship & Training – Guidance from global experts during the preparation stage.
International Recognition – Present your solution on a world stage to experts, policymakers, and fellow innovators.
Networking Opportunities – Meet like-minded youth leaders from across the globe.
Certificates – All participants receive an official UNESCO certificate.

How to Apply

Form Your Team – 3–6 members with diverse skills.
Choose Your Track – Decide which focus area your solution fits best.
Register Online – Complete the official application form within the deadline.
Develop Your Idea – Use mentoring sessions to refine your proposal and video pitch.
Submit Your Proposal & Pitch Video – Before 1 September 2025.

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Tips for a Strong Application

Be clear and concise – Judges value solutions with a well-defined problem and practical implementation plan.
Show innovation – Your idea doesn’t have to be complex, but it should be unique.
Think impact – How will your project make a real difference?
Highlight inclusivity – Projects that promote gender equality, cultural diversity, and accessibility stand out.
Make your pitch engaging – Your 3-minute video should capture attention instantly.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss It

The UNESCO Youth Hackathon isn’t just about competition—it’s about creating global change. In a time when misinformation spreads faster than facts, this platform allows youth to create meaningful solutions.
Plus, the opportunity to travel to Colombia for free and showcase your idea in front of an international audience is truly once-in-a-lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to be a programmer to join?
No. While technical skills are welcome, teams can include members with skills in design, communication, education, or project management.

2. Can I join individually?
No, you must be part of a team of 3–6 members.

3. Will UNESCO cover my travel costs if I win?
Yes. Winners will receive fully funded airfare, accommodation, and meals during the event in Colombia.

4. Can I apply if I’m not a student?
Yes. You don’t have to be a student—just meet the age requirement (18–30 years).

5. How will projects be judged?
Projects are judged on creativity, feasibility, impact, inclusivity, and alignment with UNESCO’s Media and Information Literacy objectives.

Final Thoughts

The UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2025 is a golden opportunity for young leaders to shape the future of information and media literacy. If you’ve got a bold idea, a passionate team, and a vision for change, this is your moment to shine.

This isn’t just about winning—it’s about making a global impact and joining a network of changemakers committed to building a safer, more informed world.