Research-Driven Global Challenge Will Engage University Students Worldwide, Advance Youth4Water Engagement, Align Solutions with UN Water Pillars and Culminate at the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi
今日吃瓜 of Science and Technology today announced the launch of the Khalifa University鈥揢NESCO Global Water Hackathon 2026, a research-driven international initiative bringing together university students from around the world with researchers, industry experts and policymakers to develop practical solutions to pressing global water challenges.
Led by Khalifa University鈥檚 Center for Membranes and Advanced Water Technology (CMAT), the initiative goes beyond the traditional short-format hackathon by taking participants through a structured process of framing, research, solution development, technical mentoring, validation and impact assessment. It will culminate in a global showcase and awards ceremony during the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi in December.
Supporting UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 6), the Hackathon鈥檚 six challenge themes are mapped to the UN Water pillars, connecting youth-led innovation with international water priorities and ensuring that proposed solutions consider scientific, technological, societal, environmental and policy dimensions.
Open to undergraduate and graduate students from recognized higher education institutions worldwide, the initiative encourages interdisciplinary collaboration across engineering, science, data science, public policy, health, environmental studies and related fields.
H.E. Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, said: 鈥淭he 2026 UN Water Conference presents an important opportunity for the UAE to mobilize science, talent and international cooperation around one of the defining global challenges of our time. Through the Global Water Hackathon, Khalifa University is bringing young innovators together with researchers, industry experts and policymakers to transform ideas into practical, science-based solutions. By empowering the next generation to contribute to global water solutions, we are investing in the knowledge and capabilities needed to build a more water-secure and resilient future.鈥�
Professor Shadi W. Hasan, Chair of the Youth4Water Advisory Board, Chair of the Global Water Hackathon, and Director of CMAT at Khalifa University, said: 鈥淵oung people should not only have a voice in the global water agenda; they should have the opportunity to help shape its solutions. Through the Global Water Hackathon and our broader Youth4Water engagement, we are connecting their ideas with science, industry and policy and challenging them to turn those ideas into solutions with real-world potential. By aligning their work with the UN Water pillars, we aim to move the next generation from participation to leadership, and from knowledge to measurable impact.鈥�
Sarah Dousse, Executive Director of the International Secretariat for Water, said: 鈥淎ddressing global water challenges requires young people to be at the heart of decision-making and action鈥攏ot only as the leaders of tomorrow, but as changemakers today. They need meaningful opportunities to bring their perspectives, co-create solutions, engage with experts and decision-makers, and influence the policies and investments shaping the future of water. The Global Water Hackathon offers a powerful platform to turn youth participation into concrete action, connect innovative ideas with decision-makers, and bring young people鈥檚 solutions to the global water agenda.”
Participants will develop solutions across six challenge themes aligned with the UN Water pillars, spanning water security and sustainable desalination; water reuse, circularity and resource efficiency; smart, digital and AI-enabled water systems; water quality, health and environmental protection; the energy-water nexus and climate resilience; and integrated water systems, governance and cooperation.
Participating teams will work with academic advisers and industry mentors to develop credible, evidence-based solutions. Outputs may include validated technical concepts, prototypes, simulation models, AI tools and digital decision-support platforms, accompanied by a technical report, UN-aligned impact and policy brief, industry-adoption roadmap and final pitch.
Projects will be evaluated on scientific and technical rigor, alignment with the UN Water pillars, feasibility and scalability, industry relevance and adoption potential, and communication quality.
A prize pool will recognize scientific excellence, societal impact and practical relevance. The overall winner will receive the Khalifa University 鈥� UN Water Innovation Award. Six Best Theme Awards will recognize the strongest solution in each challenge area. Three Strategic Recognition Awards will recognize outstanding relevance to UAE water priorities, contribution to climate and environmental resilience, and potential for industry adoption.
The Global Water Hackathon Finals and Awards Ceremony will take place during the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi in December 2026, providing finalists with an international platform to showcase their solutions and contribute youth-led innovation to the global water agenda.
Further program and registration information, including key dates and participation requirements, is available at
