UNESCO is once again inviting young innovators from around the globe to take part in its renowned Youth Hackathon, a central feature of the organization’s annual Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week. This initiative is designed to mobilize youth to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in today’s digital society—such as the growing influence of artificial intelligence, the rapid spread of false information, online hate, monopolized digital platforms, and concerns about the reliability and integrity of shared information.

After the overwhelming participation in the 2024 event, which attracted over 200 teams representing 68 countries, this year’s edition promises to be even more influential. In 2025, under the theme “Youth Leading the Way: Building MIL Solutions for Impact,” young people aged 18 to 30 are encouraged to team up and develop creative, practical solutions. Every team will receive expert-led online guidance at no cost before submitting their final ideas. Winning entries will earn an all-expenses-paid opportunity to showcase their projects at the Global MIL Week Conference taking place on October 23–24, 2025, in Cartagena, Colombia.

The event seeks to equip young people with the tools and mindset to think critically and creatively in the digital era. It aims to support youth-led innovation, raise the visibility of young voices in global conversations, and encourage the development of projects that offer tangible social benefits.

Registration is now open to individuals or teams interested in joining. Teams must include between three and six people, all aged 18 to 30, and can be composed of members from the same country or multiple regions. Participants are expected to reflect UNESCO’s commitment to diversity, freedom of speech, and peaceful coexistence. The organizers also encourage gender-balanced teams and inclusive participation. No technical background is necessary—only a strong sense of purpose and a willingness to create meaningful change.

Teams may explore a variety of focus areas, from how MIL can respond to challenges brought by artificial intelligence, to creating engaging educational content for digital literacy, fostering grassroots change, empowering youth-led organizations, or proposing unique ideas that align with the 2025 theme.

Participants will gain access to mentorship, global exposure, and the chance to drive real change in their communities.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached below to apply for this opportunity