UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2026 is inviting young people aged 18–30 from around the world to develop innovative solutions for media and information literacy. Applications are open from July 6 to August 16, 2026, with winning teams invited to showcase their projects at a journalism and media freedom festival in Thessaloniki, Greece.
UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2026
Young innovators, students, entrepreneurs and emerging changemakers have an opportunity to participate in the UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2026, an international initiative focused on the future of Media and Information Literacy (MIL).
Organized under the theme “Play Your Part: Youth Designing the Future of Media and Information Literacy,” the hackathon gives young people a platform to collaborate, develop ideas and create practical solutions addressing challenges in today’s rapidly changing information environment.
UNESCO says the 2025 edition attracted more than 1,200 teams from 138 countries, demonstrating significant global interest in youth-led innovation around media and information literacy.
For the 2026 edition, UNESCO is again encouraging young people from different backgrounds and countries to work together and develop innovative MIL solutions.
Background & Opportunity Description
Media and Information Literacy has become increasingly important as people navigate digital platforms, artificial intelligence, misinformation, changing media environments and rapidly evolving technologies.
The UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2026 is designed to recognize young people as contributors to solutions in this area. Participants are encouraged to bring creativity, leadership and diverse perspectives to the development of projects that can strengthen Media and Information Literacy worldwide.
The initiative provides participants with opportunities to collaborate with peers, receive guidance from experts and develop proposals around the designated challenge tracks.
The strongest teams will have an opportunity to take their ideas to an international audience.
UNESCO plans to invite winning teams to the Voices European Festival of Journalism and Media Freedom in Thessaloniki, Greece, from November 26–28, 2026, where they can showcase their projects and interact with other stakeholders.
Who Can Participate?
The hackathon is open to young people aged 18 to 30 from around the world.
Participants can collaborate with peers and co-design solutions addressing Media and Information Literacy challenges.
The FAQ provided by UNESCO also addresses questions relating to team composition, including whether participants can have team members from different countries and how individuals can find teammates.
This makes the initiative particularly relevant to young people interested in:
Media and journalism
Digital innovation
Artificial intelligence
Technology
Information literacy
Youth engagement
Communication
Social innovation
Digital transformation
Entrepreneurship and project development
Participants do not necessarily need to come from a technical background. UNESCO specifically includes a frequently asked question addressing whether technical expertise is required, indicating that the opportunity is intended to accommodate participants with different skills and backgrounds.
Mentoring Programme
Registered participants have access to a dedicated mentoring programme designed to help them strengthen their ideas before submitting their projects.
The mentoring programme covers areas including Media and Information Literacy, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, project development and innovation.
The programme is intended to help participants develop stronger and more competitive project proposals.
UNESCO notes that live-session places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants who cannot secure a live place can still access recordings and learning materials.
What Kind of Projects Are Expected?
The hackathon seeks proposals focused on developing innovative solutions related to Media and Information Literacy.
Participants are encouraged to think about how young people can contribute to a changing information environment and how technology, innovation and collaboration can be used to address emerging challenges.
Potential areas of interest can include solutions involving:
Media literacy
Digital literacy
Artificial intelligence
Responsible technology
Online information
Digital transformation
Youth participation
Innovation
Journalism
Information access
Creative technology
Applicants should carefully review UNESCO’s official challenge tracks and submission requirements before preparing their project.
How to Apply
Interested participants should register and prepare their project according to the UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2026 submission requirements.
The application process includes developing and submitting a project proposal. Participants may collaborate with other young people and create teams to work on their ideas.
Applicants should ensure that their submission follows the required format and language requirements outlined by UNESCO.
The published timeline states that submissions are open from July 6 to August 16, 2026.
Application Timeline
Call for Participation: From June 15, 2026
Online Mentoring Programme: July 1–2, 2026
Submission period: July 6–August 16, 2026
Global Evaluation: August 18–September 13, 2026
Winner Announcement: September 13–18, 2026
Winners Ceremony: November 26–28, 2026
Because the submission deadline is August 16, 2026, applicants should complete their projects and submit them before the stated closing date.
Selection Process
Submitted projects will undergo a global evaluation process after the submission period closes.
UNESCO will assess the projects according to the criteria established for the hackathon. Applicants should therefore pay close attention to the official submission instructions and challenge requirements when preparing their proposals.
The winner announcement is scheduled for September 13–18, 2026.
Successful teams will then have the opportunity to participate in the winners’ activities connected with the November event in Greece.
What Can Winners Receive?
One of the major opportunities associated with the UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2026 is the chance for winning teams to participate in the Voices European Festival of Journalism and Media Freedom in Thessaloniki, Greece.
The event will take place from November 26–28, 2026.
Winning teams will have the opportunity to showcase their projects and engage with stakeholders working in journalism, media freedom and related areas.
This can provide valuable international exposure for youth-led ideas and projects focused on Media and Information Literacy.
Why This Opportunity Matters
The UNESCO Youth Hackathon offers more than a traditional competition. It provides young participants with an opportunity to work collaboratively on an international issue while developing practical project-development and innovation skills.
Participants can gain experience in areas such as teamwork, idea development, communication, technology, research, problem-solving and presenting solutions.
The mentoring component also gives participants access to expertise in fields directly relevant to their projects.
For young people interested in digital innovation, journalism, artificial intelligence, communication or social impact, the programme can provide a useful platform for developing and presenting ideas.
Important Information for Applicants
Applicants should carefully check the official UNESCO information before submitting a project.
The opportunity is specifically aimed at participants aged 18–30, and the submission period closes on August 16, 2026.
Individuals interested in participating should also review UNESCO’s information regarding team members, submission language, technical requirements and project format.
Applicants should avoid waiting until the final day if they need to form a team or participate in the mentoring resources.
Final Thoughts
The UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2026 provides young people worldwide with an opportunity to develop innovative ideas addressing the future of Media and Information Literacy.
Under the theme “Play Your Part: Youth Designing the Future of Media and Information Literacy,” the programme encourages young people to use creativity, collaboration and innovation to develop solutions for today’s evolving information environment.
With submissions closing on August 16, 2026, eligible young people interested in media, technology, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, journalism and social innovation should review the official requirements and prepare their proposals before the deadline.
The opportunity also provides an international platform for successful teams, with winners invited to showcase their projects in Thessaloniki, Greece, in November 2026.
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