Applications are now open for the UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2025, a fully funded global innovation event taking place in Cartagena, Colombia. This exciting two-day program, part of the Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week Conference, will unite young innovators from around the world to design solutions for pressing challenges in today’s digital information age — including artificial intelligence, misinformation, hate speech, and threats to information integrity.
Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, creative artist, educator, or community leader, this hackathon offers the chance to showcase your ideas, collaborate globally, and have your project presented on an international stage.
Program Overview
- Host Country: Colombia
- Location: Cartagena
- Duration: 2 Days
- Event Dates: 23–24 October 2025
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Application Deadline: 15 August 2025
Financial Support
UNESCO will cover:
- Round-trip airfare to Colombia
- Accommodation during the event
- Access to online mentoring before the hackathon
- Event participation fees
Theme: Youth Leading the Way – Building MIL Solutions for Impact
Participants will explore innovative solutions in Media and Information Literacy (MIL), focusing on how young people can lead positive change in the digital age.
Program Structure
- Pre-Hackathon Mentorship: Online guidance from experts to refine your project ideas.
- Idea Submission: Teams submit their proposals via the official UNESCO website.
- Global Presentation: Winning teams present their projects at the Global MIL Week Conference in Cartagena.
Benefits of Joining
- No prior experience required — just passion and motivation
- Opportunity to network with international peers and experts
- Showcase your work to a global audience
- Gain valuable skills in innovation, teamwork, and leadership
Focus Areas
Teams can choose from:
- AI & MIL: Solutions addressing AI-related challenges
- MIL Education: Creative approaches to learning in the digital era
- Community Impact: Projects that empower local communities
- Youth Engagement: Strengthening youth organizations as change agents
- Open Track: Other MIL-related ideas aligned with the 2025 theme
MUST VISIT: Young Leaders Union Paris 2025 (Fully Funded Conference)
Types of Eligible Ideas
Your proposal could be:
- Games or mobile applications
- Websites or online platforms
- Radio programs or podcasts
- Comics, short videos, or documentaries
- Educational toolkits
- Campaigns by youth organizations
- Community-based interventions
- Other creative and innovative formats
MUST VISIT: Commonwealth Professional Fellowship 2026 in UK (Fully Funded)
Who Can Apply?
- Open to youth from all countries
- Team size: 3–6 members (local, regional, or international teams allowed)
- Age limit: 18–30 years old
- Diversity and gender balance strongly encouraged
- No prior hackathon experience required
How to Apply
Submit your application through the official UNESCO Global Youth Hackathon website before the deadline. Make sure your team meets the eligibility requirements and focus areas.
For more scholarship opportunities, please visit International Scholarships.
