The UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2026 is inviting young people from around the world to develop innovative solutions for a better digital information environment.
This year’s theme is “Play Your Part: Youth Designing the Future of Media and Information Literacy.” Participants will create practical ideas addressing challenges related to media, information, technology, AI, education, and digital literacy.
The best teams will have the opportunity to travel to Greece with major expenses covered by UNESCO.
UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2026 – Key Details
- Organizer: UNESCO
- Program: UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2026
- Theme: Play Your Part: Youth Designing the Future of Media and Information Literacy
- Eligibility: Young people aged 18–30
- Application: Team-based
- Team Size: 2–6 members
- Eligible Countries: Worldwide
- Deadline: 16 August 2026
- Festival: Voices European Festival of Journalism and Media Freedom
- Location: Thessaloniki, Greece
- Festival Dates: 26–28 November 2026
What Is the UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2026?
The UNESCO Youth Hackathon gives young innovators an opportunity to develop creative solutions to challenges affecting today’s information environment.
The 2026 edition focuses on Media and Information Literacy (MIL) and encourages young people to use creativity, technology, education, and community action to help people better understand and navigate information online.
Previous editions attracted participants from countries around the world, demonstrating the global interest in youth-led solutions for digital and information challenges.
Fully Funded Trip to Greece
The winning teams will be invited to attend the Voices European Festival of Journalism and Media Freedom in Thessaloniki, Greece, from 26–28 November 2026.
UNESCO will cover the following expenses for two members of each winning team:
- Flight to Greece
- Accommodation
- Meals
This means two members of each winning team can attend the festival in Greece with these expenses covered.
Who Can Apply?
The UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2026 is open to:
- Young people aged 18–30
- Participants from all countries
- Teams of 2–6 members
- National, regional, or international teams
- Young people interested in technology, media, education, AI, innovation, or community development
- Applicants with or without previous hackathon experience
What Can You Create?
You don’t necessarily need to build a complicated piece of technology. UNESCO welcomes different types of creative projects and solutions.
Your team could develop:
- Mobile applications
- Websites
- Games
- Podcasts
- Radio programs
- Short films or videos
- Documentaries
- Comics and artistic projects
- Educational toolkits
- Youth campaigns
- Community-based projects
Hackathon Challenge Areas
Projects can focus on one or more of the following areas:
- AI and Media & Information Literacy: Develop ideas that help people understand and navigate AI-generated and digital information.
- Media & Information Literacy Education: Create educational solutions that improve people’s ability to evaluate and use information.
- Community Impact: Develop initiatives that address real information and media challenges within communities.
- Youth Engagement: Create solutions that encourage young people to participate in media and information literacy.
- Open Track: Participants can also submit innovative ideas that fall outside the specific challenge areas.
Who Should Apply?
The hackathon could be a great opportunity for:
- Students
- Developers
- Designers
- Content creators
- Journalists
- Researchers
- Entrepreneurs
- Educators
- Youth activists
- Social innovators
- Technology enthusiasts
You do not need to be an expert programmer. Creativity, teamwork, and a strong idea are important.
How to Apply for the UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2026
Interested applicants should form a team of 2–6 young people and submit their project according to UNESCO’s application requirements.
APPLY FOR THE UNESCO YOUTH HACKATHON 2026
If your team has an innovative idea that could improve media and information literacy, this is an opportunity to turn that idea into action and potentially earn a fully funded trip to Greece.
