Baghdad:UNESCO, in partnership with the University of Baghdad’s College of Artificial Intelligence, has initiated a student hackathon aimed at developing technological solutions to fight media disinformation, hate speech, and digital fabrication using artificial intelligence.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, this hackathon is part of the “Social Media for Peace” project, funded by the European Union. It seeks to empower Iraqi youth by applying their technical skills to address challenges related to digital content. The initiative promotes media and information literacy, contributing to a safer online environment while supporting freedom of expression and human rights.
The hackathon invites students and young innovators to propose ideas and projects, such as applications for fact-checking, detecting fabricated media, and monitoring hate speech. It also encourages the development of interactive tools to enhance critical thinking and awareness of misleading content online. Dhiaa Thabit from UNESCO Iraq stated that the goal is to transform young people’s creative potential into practical projects, emphasizing that freedom of expression and a safe digital space can be achieved through responsible technology.
The Dean of the College of Artificial Intelligence emphasized the importance of linking academic knowledge with societal challenges, providing students opportunities to apply skills like programming and data analysis to issues with humanitarian dimensions. Collaboration with UNESCO supports applied research, encouraging students to innovate tools for detecting digital misinformation and curbing harmful content.
The program includes training and mentorship phases, starting with an introduction to digital content challenges, followed by hands-on training, and culminating in project presentations evaluated on innovation, feasibility, and social impact.
This initiative also aims to foster collaboration among universities, research centers, young developers, and media organizations, turning student innovations into sustainable tools for countering misinformation and promoting social cohesion. It reflects a shift towards empowering Iraqi universities and youth to develop local solutions to digital challenges through knowledge and critical thinking.