The UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2026, under the theme of “Play Your Part: Youth Designing the Future of Media and Information Literacy”, recognises young people as key drivers of innovation and change, empowering them to contribute their creativity, leadership, and diverse perspectives to advance Media and Information Literacy (MIL) worldwide.
Application Deadline:
- Project submission: 6 July – 16 August 2026
- Winner announcement: 13–18 September 2026
- Winners Ceremony: 26–28 November 2026 (Thessaloniki, Greece)
Tell Me About The Award:
The UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2026 is a worldwide innovation challenge for youth aged 18–30. Under the theme “Play Your Part: Youth Designing the Future of Media and Information Literacy (MIL)”, participants collaborate to design creative solutions addressing misinformation, AI, and digital transformation. Winning teams will be invited to Greece to showcase their projects at the Voices European Festival of Journalism and Media Freedom.
Which Fields are Eligible?
Teams can choose one or more challenge tracks:
- AI & Media Literacy – solutions for responsible AI use.
- MIL Education – creative approaches to teaching MIL.
- Community Impact – empowering communities through MIL.
- Youth Engagement – strengthening youth organisations as MIL change agents.
- Open Track – any innovative MIL concept aligned with the theme.
Type:
- Global Hackathon | Innovation Challenge | UNESCO
Who can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be aged 18–30.
- Form teams of 2–6 members (national, regional, or international).
- Align with UNESCO values (peace, diversity, inclusion, freedom of expression).
- Gender‑balanced and inclusive teams are strongly encouraged.
- No prior hackathon experience required.
How are Applicants Selected?
- Based on the proposal document (problem, objectives, prototype, sustainability, creativity, feasibility).
- Pitch video (max 3 minutes) explaining problem, solution, beneficiaries, and impact.
- Projects evaluated globally; top teams invited to Greece.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
- All countries worldwide.
Where will the Award be Taken?
- Thessaloniki, Greece (Voices European Festival, Nov 2026).
How Many Awards?
- Multiple winning teams selected globally.
What is the Benefit of the Award?
- Trip to Greece (Nov 2026).
- Showcase projects internationally.
- Network with journalists, educators, policymakers, and innovators.
- Gain recognition from UNESCO and global partners.
- Access to the mentoring programme (1–2 July 2026).
How Long Will the Award Last?
- Hackathon cycle runs June–November 2026.
How to Apply:
- Register your team (2–6 members).
- Participate in UNESCO’s mentoring programme (1–2 July 2026).
- Submit the proposal + pitch video between 6 July and 16 August 2026.
- Await evaluation and results (Sept 2026).
Visit the Application Webpage for Details
