Join the hackathon: Innovators wanted!

Background

pose grave threats not only to the sustainability of the natural environment but also to the safety, stability, and long-term development of human societies. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), failure to take immediate and decisive action could result in global warming surpassing the critical 1.5°C threshold, leading to irreversible and catastrophic consequences. Moreover, the intersection of climate crises and disaster risks is exacerbating multidimensional global challenges, including food insecurity, public health concerns, and regional instability. Addressing this compound risk landscape calls for systemic innovation, strengthened multilateral cooperation, and inclusive global engagement.

Young people are at the heart of climate action and disaster risk reduction. As one of the most dynamic, creative, and solution-oriented constituencies, youth not only bear responsibility for the future but are also actively shaping it-empowered by technology, interdisciplinary approaches, and a global mindset. From championing climate justice and designing AI-driven disaster mitigation tools to building resilient cities and promoting sustainable lifestyles, youth innovators are redefining what is possible through action and ingenuity. Their participation not only accelerates the translation of solutions into practice but also catalyzes social awareness, strengthens public engagement, and informs policy transformation-injecting new momentum and hope into global climate governance.

Event information

I. Overview

The 2025 Youth Climate Action and Disaster Risk Reduction Innovation Initiative is jointly initiated by the UNESCO Beijing Office, the Integrated Research on Disaster Risk (IRDR), the Chinese National Committee for the Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB China), the International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage under the auspices of UNESCO (HIST), the School of Social Sciences and Zhishan College of Tsinghua University, and the Horizon Global Youth Development Program. Under the theme "Empowering Youth for a Healthy Planet" the initiative focuses on key issues in the fields of climate action and disaster risk reduction. It invites renowned experts from universities, research institutions, international organizations, and top-tier industry enterprises to deliver public lecture series aimed at raising awareness among youth about climate change and disaster risks, while promoting knowledge-sharing on climate and disaster resilience. The initiative includes a Creative Video Campaign to encourage young people to express and disseminateClimate Action and Disaster Risk Reduction their reflections and practices on climate action and disaster risk reduction through video storytelling. It also features a Youth Innovation Hackathon, which guides youth participants to form collaborative teams and apply their disciplinary expertise and practical experience to design and prototype innovative, project-based solutions. Building on these efforts, the program also seeks to further develop a global youth climate and disaster action network, convening young talents committed to climate-related work and mobilizing youth-driven contributions to the shared goal of a healthier, more resilient planet.

As a core component of the initiative, the Youth Climate Action and Disaster Risk Reduction Hackathon aims to create a global platform for youth collaboration and problem-solving. It encourages youth teams to respond to contemporary climate and disaster challenges through innovation, using their knowledge and creativity to explore cutting-edge solutions for climate adaptation and disaster preparedness. Participants will form interdisciplinary teams, or join with teams already in the incubation or entrepreneurial stage, and work under three main tracks. Drawing on their academic expertise, research outcomes, and real-world experience, they will collaboratively design and present solutions. Teams are encouraged to adopt both qualitative and quantitative approaches, and to propose innovative solutions in areas such as technological innovation, social support systems, and legal frameworks, with an emphasis on operational feasibility and real-world impact. The Hackathon aims to contribute to the global advancement of climate change mitigation and disaster risk reduction through youth-driven action and innovation.

III. Event schedule

a. Three competition tracks

1. Resilient Cities and Innovative Climate Adaptation in Communities

2. Climate Action and Disaster Risk Reduction Driven by Artificial Intelligence and Big Data

3. Balanced Development Between Nature Reserves and Human Communities

The Hackathon follows a team-based registration format and consists of three stages: Preliminary Round, Semi-finals, and Finals.

b. Timeline

c. Competition schedule and submission materials detailed explanation

Preliminary Round (May 10-June 1)

※Organizational Method

Each team is required to submit a project proposal and an innovation canvas. These submissions will be scored by the mentors of the respective tracks. All materials will be distributed by the Organizing Committee to the judges for scoring. Teams ranked in the top 60% will advance to the semi-finals round.

※Submission Requirements

For registration, a team resume must be submitted (including a personal introduction for each member).

For the preliminary round, submissions should include the project proposal, innovation canvas, originality pledge, and authorization letter.

• [Template] Project Report
• [Template] Project Innovation Canvas
• [Template] Originality Pledge and Authorization Letter

(Scan the QR code below to view and download the above template files.)

Semi-finals (June 1-June 16)

※Organizational Method

The organizing committee will convene track-specific review meetings with experts in each track to score the projects. Promotional videos or related materials will be uploaded to online media platforms at the same time, and additional points will be added based on the ranking of likes. The total score for all teams will be calculated based on the judges' scores and the ranking of social media likes.

※Submission Requirements

Teams entering the semi-finals must submit an updated project proposal and a project video clip (2 minutes). The updated project proposal should be adjusted and improved based on feedback from the preliminary round; the project video clip should vividly showcase the core concept, implementation process, and outcomes of the project.

1. Detailed requirements for the project video clip:
   1. Updated project proposal and a 1-2 minute video clip (maximum 2 minutes)
   2. The video should clearly state the background of the project, the design, and the expected outcomes.
   3. A high-definition cover image must also be submitted, with a horizontal aspect ratio of 16:9. No specific content requirements but should reflect project uniqueness and be eye-catching.
   4. Innovative and diverse video presentation styles are encouraged to make the content engaging and interesting.
   5. The video must be in landscape format, with a resolution of at least 1080P, and can be in AVI, MOV or MP4 format.
   6. The organizing committee will edit a promotional trailer for the finals and subsequent publicity, and teams may submit additional group activity footage, such as outdoor research recordings or team collaboration processes.
2. Requirements for the updated project proposal:
   1. Based on the initial submission from the preliminary round, integrate mentor feedback and relevant resources for enhancement.

Finals (June 26 Tentative）

※Organizational Method

The finals will be held on-site. (Location to be announced separately)

Teams entering the finals must submit the final version of their project proposal and a PowerPoint slide deck for on-site presentation. The Organizing Committee will host a project showcase event with industry experts. Teams will present their projects sequentially to on-site judges, who will evaluate and select the winning projects.

III. Judging criteria

The judging for the 2025 Youth Climate Action and Disaster Risk Reduction Innovation Hackathon will adhere to the principles of openness, fairness, and impartiality, ensuring equal opportunities for all participating teams to showcase their creative solutions. A panel of expert judges will conduct a comprehensive evaluation based on their impact, innovation, sustainability, and practicality.

A. Impact

The extent of the project's influence on society, the environment, and the economy, and its ability to promote sustainable development.

B. Innovation

Whether the project is novel, unique, and forward-looking, and what innovative breakthroughs and transformations it has achieved compared to existing solutions.

C. Sustainability

Whether the project is actionable and can form a non-profit or commercial closed loop, establishing a sustainable project model.

D. Practicality

Whether the project has practical application value, can solve real problems, or meet market demands.

Other important notes:

1. Watermarks or any identifying marks are not allowed in submitted works. Submissions from commercial entities will not be accepted.
2. The collection, review, discussion, exhibition, and publication of works in this event are entirely non-profit. No fees will be charged to participants.
3. Contributors must ensure they hold the copyright to their submissions and are responsible for resolving any related disputes. All content, including time and location, must be truthful and accurate.
4. By submitting a work, the contributor grants the organizers the right to use the work free of charge for future exhibitions, publications, and educational activities. The organizers shall bear no liability for any disputes over authorship caused by the contributor.
5. Submitted works must comply with national laws and regulations, contain no violence, infringe no rights, and avoid content that violates public order, good customs, or religious taboos.

Special notes:

• The Judging Committee reserves the right to adjust and interpret the judging process and criteria according to actual situations.
• Participating teams must ensure that the materials submitted are authentic and valid, and must not plagiarize or steal others' work. Violations, once confirmed, will result in disqualification and legal responsibility.
• Other matters not mentioned will be explained and supplemented by the organizing committee.

IV. Eligibility and Application Process

The "2025 Youth Climate Action and Disaster Risk Reduction Hackathon" is divided into two categories: Junior Group (Participants aged 12-17 years) and Youth Group (Participants aged 18-35 years). Each team must consist of 4-8 members (preferably 6-8 members; the maximum allowed is 8 members). The Team Leader should register the team information via the link below: