Global Competition Using Artificial Intelligence to Solve Social Challenges
Applicant criteria
- No specific age required
- Both
Opportunity criteria
Opportunity description
The AI for Social Impact Challenge 2026 is a global competition that invites participants to develop a project or proposal that uses artificial intelligence to address a real-world problem related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Participation begins with completing an online course consisting of 6 self-paced learning modules, and no prior experience in programming or artificial intelligence is required.
After completing the course, participants submit a project outlining the problem they aim to address, the AI-powered solution they propose, its feasibility, and its expected social impact.
Benefits
Receive a certificate of completion issued by UNITAR after completing the course.
No prior experience in AI or programming is required.
The top 10 participants will receive a fully funded trip to the United Nations Office in Geneva to attend the awards ceremony.
Winners will also receive:
A winner’s certificate and trophy.
A recognition badge that can be added to LinkedIn.
Inclusion of their project in the AI for Social Impact Yearbook.
Participants have the opportunity to develop a practical project in areas such as education, healthcare, climate, social justice, and sustainability.
Eligibility criteria
Open to participants from all countries worldwide.
Available to applicants from a wide range of academic disciplines and backgrounds.
No prior experience in artificial intelligence or programming is required.
Participants must register for the course and pay a USD 60 registration fee, or participate through a seat provided by a university or institution.
All six learning modules must be completed before submitting the project.
The project must address a real-world problem related to one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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