Hackathons—intense problem-solving marathons—have grown far beyond their tech origins. Once a space for software developers to solve programming puzzles in record time, these events now address global challenges, including the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A recent study by the University of Geneva, in partnership with the UN Library and Archives in Geneva, highlights their impact. The researchers analyzed 5,456 hackathons listed on platforms like Devpost and GitHub and found that nearly 30% contributed to at least one SDG, with climate change being a common focus. They also found that hackathons consistently bring in new participants, keeping their communities fresh and engaged over the long term.
These findings suggest that hackathons aren’t just a way to advance the SDGs—they also hint at a new way to approach international cooperation. With multilateralism struggling to adapt to the digital age, hackathons could offer a more flexible and inclusive model.
From Hacking to Global Impact
The word “hackathon” comes from “hacking” (solving problems creatively) and “marathon.” It traces back to the hacker culture of the 1950s, which used technology to promote social change. Early hackathons brought developers together for 24-to-48-hour sprints to tackle software challenges. Today, they attract people from all fields, from healthcare to energy, to tackle real-world problems.
The researchers argue that hackathons are a powerful tool for addressing global issues. They combine digital innovation with teamwork, aligning local efforts with global goals.
The study analyzed data from 5,456 hackathons, including over 184,000 projects and 290,000 participants. Of these, 1,320 focused on at least one SDG, with energy and climate-related goals attracting particular attention. Hackathons also bring in fresh ideas—over 70% of participants are newcomers. This steady influx of new talent ensures that knowledge keeps growing while communities remain active.
The researchers propose a concept they call “computational diplomacy.” Hackathons, they argue, foster collaboration beyond the usual state-led approaches. By bringing together diverse groups to solve shared problems, hackathons could help reshape global cooperation to fit the digital age.
A Model for the Future
International organizations could learn from hackathons, using them to drive innovation and connect with citizens. However, more research is needed to understand how the solutions created at these events perform over time. Exploring the psychological and neurological aspects of teamwork could also help make hackathons even more effective.
As the world faces complex problems like climate change and inequality, hackathons offer a practical way to harness human creativity and collective intelligence. By encouraging participation and innovation, they could play a key role in building a more inclusive and responsive form of global cooperation.
