The UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2025 is a prestigious, fully funded global event that offers young innovators worldwide a unique chance to tackle pressing digital challenges, such as misinformation, artificial intelligence (AI), hate speech, and platform dominance. Hosted in the vibrant city of Cartagena, Colombia, from October 23-24, 2025, this hackathon invites youth teams to innovate impactful solutions while gaining global visibility and mentorship. This blog will provide a comprehensive guide covering all essential aspects of this opportunity to empower aspiring participants.
Basic Information About the UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2025 Scholarship
The UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2025 scholarship includes an all-expenses-paid trip for winning teams to attend the Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week Conference in Cartagena, Colombia. This flagship initiative emphasizes empowering youth aged 18 to 30 to create innovative digital literacy and media solutions. The scholarship covers round-trip flights and accommodation for two representatives per winning team.
- Application Deadline: September 1, 2025
- Event Dates: October 23-24, 2025
- Location: Cartagena, Colombia
- Team Size: 3-6 members
- Age Eligibility: 18-30 years old
- Mentorship: Free online mentoring sessions by global experts in August 2025 before final submission.
University/Institution Details
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, leads the Global Media and Information Literacy Week initiative, which includes the hackathon, though it is not tied to a single educational institution.UNESCO serves as the organizer, providing mentorship, resources, and hosting the final event in Colombia.
Study Areas and Available Program Themes
The hackathon invites innovative projects across several core Media and Information Literacy (MIL) focus areas, aligning with current global challenges in the digital information ecosystem:
- AI and MIL: Developing strategies to address AI-related issues through media literacy.
- MIL Education: Creative approaches to digital media and information literacy education.
- Community Impact: MIL-based interventions aimed at empowering local communities.
- Youth Engagement: Strategies to elevate youth organizations as change agents in MIL.
- Open Track: Any other innovative, MIL-aligned ideas contributing to the hackathon’s theme.
Participants can submit projects in diverse formats, including games, applications, podcasts, artistic works, educational toolkits, campaigns, and community interventions.
UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2025 Benefits
The UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2025 provides comprehensive benefits for the winners, including:
- Fully funded travel and accommodation for two team members to attend the event in Colombia.
- Free online mentorship from international experts before final project submission.
- Global exposure by presenting projects at the Global MIL Week Conference.
- Networking opportunities with international policymakers, youth leaders, and digital literacy experts.
- Career advancement potential through visibility in a highly recognized international forum.
Benefits Not Included
- Travel and accommodation costs for non-winning team members beyond two representatives.
- Living expenses or visa fees outside the event dates.
- Costs related to project development or materials outside mentorship support.
- Hackathon organizers usually do not include local transportation or incidental costs.
Eligibility Criteria for the UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2025
To qualify for the UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2025, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Participants must be between 18 and 30 years old.
- Form a team of 3 to 6 members, which can be national, regional, or international.
- Demonstrate alignment with UNESCO’s values of peace, diversity, and freedom of expression.
- Maintain gender balance and inclusivity within teams.
- Applicants do not need prior hackathon or project experience; they only need motivation and passion.
Required Documents for the Application
Applicants must prepare and submit:
- Team Profile: Details of all team members.
- Project Proposal: A written document (Word or PDF) of up to 10 MB, including problem statement, objectives, target audience, prototype or concept, sustainability, creativity, and feasibility.
- Pitch Video: A 3-minute maximum video showcasing the project, hosted on any accessible platform with a shared link.
- All submissions must be in English.
UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2025 Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
- Form Your Team: Gather 3 to 6 members aged 18-30 who share the passion for digital innovation.
- Register Online: Complete the team profile and basic project information on the official UNESCO Youth Hackathon website.
- Attend Mentorship: Participate in free online mentoring sessions by global experts held in August 2025.
- Prepare Submission: Develop a clear project proposal and engaging pitch video.
- Submit Application: Upload the written proposal and share the pitch video link before the deadline (September 1, 2025).
- Evaluation and Selection: Projects are assessed; winners are announced.
- Attend the Conference: Winning teams travel to Cartagena, Colombia, to present their innovative solutions at the Global MIL Week Conference in October 2025.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Align with UNESCO Values: Show how your project promotes peace, diversity, and freedom of expression.
- Be Clear and Concise: Write a well-structured proposal emphasizing innovation, impact, and sustainability.
- Highlight Originality: Emphasize what makes your idea unique and necessary.
- Show Team Diversity: Ensure gender balance and diversity in your team.
- Prepare a Compelling Pitch: Use your 3-minute video to tell a convincing story of the problem, solution, and expected impact.
- Utilize Mentoring: Take full advantage of UNESCO’s free mentorship for refining your submission.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students in Colombia (USD)
For those interested in considering longer stays or related scholarship options, average monthly living costs in Colombia’s cities like Cartagena are:
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (USD) |
| Accommodation (Shared) | $200 – $400 |
| Food and Groceries | $150 – $250 |
| Transportation | $30 – $50 |
| Utilities & Internet | $30 – $60 |
| Miscellaneous | $60 – $100 |
Note: These costs are approximate and may vary depending on lifestyle and location.
Why Choose This Scholarship? Top 5 Reasons
- Fully Funded International Travel: Winners travel to Colombia with flights and accommodations fully covered.
- Global Recognition: Present projects at a renowned international conference organized by UNESCO.
- Professional Mentorship: Access to expert guidance enhances project quality and applicant skills.
- Empowerment through Collaboration: Work with diverse, motivated peers globally to solve real-world digital challenges.
- Career and Networking Opportunities: Connect with global leaders in media, technology, and youth advocacy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who can participate in the UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2025?
A1: Youth aged 18-30, in teams of 3-6 members, from any country worldwide. You do not need prior experience.
Q2: What kind of projects are accepted?
A2: Projects can be games, apps, podcasts, artistic works, educational toolkits, youth campaigns, or other MIL-related innovations.
Q3: Is the event fully funded?
A3: Yes, UNESCO covers the travel and accommodation costs for two representatives from each winning team.
Q4: When is the application deadline?
A4: The final application deadline is September 1, 2025.
Q5: How will applicants be supported?
A5: All registered participants receive free online mentoring by international experts before submitting their proposals.
Q6: What language should proposals be in?
A6: Applicants must submit all proposals and videos in English.
Q7: Where is the event held?
A7: The hackathon finals are held in Cartagena, Colombia, during the Global MIL Week Conference.
Official Link:
Embarking on the UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2025 journey is more than just competing; it is about driving meaningful digital transformation through youth-led innovation and global collaboration. Apply today and be part of a movement that shapes the future of media and information literacy worldwide.