Fifth Global Media and Information Literacy Youth Hackathon

Deadline: 1 August 2023

Applications are now open for the Fifth Global Media and Information Literacy Youth Hackathon, an opportunity for young people and youth organizations worldwide to participate in creating innovative MIL learning in meaningful ways.

The UNESCO annual Global Media and Information Literacy Week is a major occasion for stakeholders to review and celebrate the progress achieved towards “Media and Information Literacy for All.”

The Global Media and Information Literacy Youth Hackathon is an integral part of the Global Media and Information Literacy Week Youth Agenda Forum. Following the previous four successful editions, the fifth Global Media and Information Literacy Youth Hackathon will be held during Global MIL Week 2023.

UNESCO and partners call on youth worldwide to participate in this virtual hackathon to design innovative solutions to a defined set of social challenges.

Youth from schools, universities, youth centers, youth organizations, and young leaders from around the globe are invited to participate. The winning teams and the outcome of the Hackathon will be presented during the Global MIL Week Youth Agenda Forum 2023.

Theme: Youth powering media and information literacy in digital spaces.

Task and Challenges

The participating teams will design innovative and creative solutions to one of the following three challenges:

Promoting Media and Information Literacy in Digital Spaces
Youth Championing Media and Information Literacy in Cities
Integrating Media and Information Literacy in Youth Organizations to tackle potentially harmful content online, including disinformation and hate speech

Solution Categories

Games
Applications/Websites
Radio programmes/Podcasts
Creative community-based interventions (non-technology focused)
Other creative modalities for innovative interventions would also be accepted

Recognition for Participation and Winning Teams

All participating teams will receive a certificate of participation.
Winning teams will gain:
- Opportunity to present their projects globally at the Youth Agenda Forum of the Global MIL Week 2023
- A winning certificate from UNESCO
- Recognition through a UNESCO press release and various media channels

Mentoring

Global hackathon organizers will provide participants with a two-day mentoring programme in media and information literacy and hackathon purposes and methodology.
Mentoring sessions will be provided in English (Other languages may be later introduced)
Organizers will provide support and answer inquiries from participants throughout the process.

Eligibility Criteria

Participating teams will comprise 3-6 members (ensuring gender parity, teams can be national, regional, or international).
Any group of persons aged between 18 and 32 years adheres to the values of UNESCO, such as peace, respect for diversity, freedom of expression, etc.
No previous computer science or coding background is required.
Experience and expertise in gaming, mobile application, website and radio/media content development would be an asset.

Evaluation Criteria