Policy Hackathon

The Hackathon is a simulation-based competition hosted for students to raise awareness and promote research and critical thinking. Students from high schools and undergraduate programs will compete in teams to design policy solutions for urgent issues faced today on one of the three themes: climate change, education, and health. Rooted in the broader conference theme of Social Equity in South Asia, this format invites participants to explore localized issues through a policy lens.

Teams will begin by identifying a specific, community-based problem within their chosen theme and will work collaboratively to develop a targeted policy response. Throughout the Hackathon, students will engage in interactive workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions led by experts and practitioners, building essential skills in research, policy analysis, and advocacy.

With support from mentors across academia and the development sector, each team will develop a comprehensive policy brief that includes a clearly defined problem statement, evidence-based recommendations, an implementation plan, and an assessment of potential impact.

The Hackathon will culminate in a final presentation, where teams will pitch their policy proposals to a panel of judges, including policymakers, researchers, and practitioners. These sessions are designed to simulate real-world policy engagement, offering students not only constructive feedback but also a platform to explore how policy can drive equitable change.