Solidarity in Action: UN SDG Action Campaign supports world’s largest hackathon for solutions to global challenges

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the largest ever global hackathon is taking place online this week. The aim is to exchange and implement ideas for urgently needed solutions to current global challenges. A large number of organizations worldwide are participating in the organization of the hackathon, which is supported by partners such as the EU Commission and IDEO. It will take place from 9 to 12 April, with an awards ceremony on the final day.

The UN SDG Action Campaign has joined forces with #TheGlobalHack organizers, who have set out to bring together participants and mentors from all over the world with diverse backgrounds to collaborate in tackling the current crisis as well as building resilience for post-pandemic times. The global hackathon is organized into various thematic tracks, each of them listing concrete challenges to be solved by participating teams over four days.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has been stressing the need for collective action during the greatest challenge the world has faced since the founding of the United Nations. According to him, “only by coming together will the world be able to face down the COVID-19 pandemic and its shattering consequences”.

A great number of support initiatives and solidarity movements have been initiated worldwide in the past weeks, among them were a number of national hackathons (including in Germany), which demonstrated just how much potential this digital format holds for bundling ideas and skills and bringing problem-solvers together.

By creating a “Solidarity in Action” track as part of the upcoming global hackathon, the Campaign is providing participants with the opportunity to exchange ideas and find ways to maintain the momentum of strong global solidarity in response to COVID-19 also beyond the crisis and for the achievement of Agenda 2030.

 

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