Do you have innovative ideas for addressing the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and digital misinformation? If so, the Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week Youth Hackathon 2024 is the perfect opportunity for you. This hackathon empowers young people to actively participate in transforming the information landscape by developing solutions that promote public interest information and combat misinformation.

The Youth Hackathon 2024 is a pivotal part of the Global MIL Week, providing a global stage for youth to showcase their creativity, innovation, and leadership. The event centers around the theme “Youth Leading the Way – Media and Information Literacy and the New Digital Frontiers of Information,” emphasizing the growing role of digital content creators and influencers. Participants are encouraged to explore innovative solutions that address pressing issues such as misinformation, hate speech, and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence.

Winning teams will have the chance to present their projects at the closing ceremony of the Global MIL Week Feature Conference in Amman, Jordan. This event highlights the importance of youth involvement in media and information literacy. It fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment among participants, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the global discourse on these critical issues.

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadline: 26 August 2024
• Result Announcement Dates: 9-20 September 2024
• Registration Opens: 5 July 2024
• Two-Day Online Mentoring Programme: 28-29 August 2024
• Submission Deadline: 8 September 2024
• Presentation of Winning Projects: 31 October 2024
• Organizer: UNESCO
• Eligible Countries: Global
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Youth aged 18-30 years
• Field: Media and Information Literacy, Digital Innovation, Artificial Intelligence
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: Jordan

Benefits

UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2024 for Youth in Jordan provides the following benefits:

• Invitation to present the winning projects at the Global MIL Week Feature Conference in Amman, Jordan
• Exposure to a global audience, including policymakers, educators, and media professionals
• Networking and collaboration opportunities with peers, experts, and leaders in Media and Information Literacy
• Recognition and visibility for innovative solutions addressing global challenges in the digital information landscape

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet these requirements:

• Teams must consist of 3-6 members, focusing on gender parity.
• Participants should be between 18 and 30 years old.
• Teams can be national, regional, or international.
• All members must adhere to UNESCO’s values, such as peace, respect for diversity, and freedom of expression.
• No previous experience is required, making the hackathon accessible to all youth interested in contributing to Media and Information Literacy.

Required Materials

Below are the required materials for your applications:

• A document presenting the solution, including:
  • Team composition
  • Problem statement, objectives, audience, and alignment with the hackathon’s challenges
  • Explanation of the prototype
  • Feasibility and sustainability considerations
  • Creativity and innovation in approach
  • Deployment of business model, strategies, and evidence of market validation
• A 3-minute video pitch in a creative format.

Solution categories

The following are the hackathon categories:

• Games
• Applications/Websites
• Radio programmes/Podcasts
• Educational toolkits
• Creative community-based interventions (non-technology-focused)
• Other creative modalities for innovative interventions

Tasks and Challenges

Participants will focus on one of these key topics to design innovative solutions:

• Empower youth to shape digital spaces, promoting public interest information actively.
• Address challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence.
• Develop effective approaches to Media and Information Literacy education through peer and community-based methods.
• Engage youth organizations as change agents in collaboration with digital content creators.

How to Apply?

• Register your team and submit your solution by 26 August 2024 on the official Global MIL Week Youth Hackathon 2024 website.
• Ensure your submission includes both the required document and the 3-minute video pitch.
• Participate in the online mentoring program scheduled for 28-29 August 2024 to refine your project and receive expert guidance.
• Submit your final project by the deadline of 8 September 2024.

Apply Now

Further information and details are available on the official UNESCO website.

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