AI for Social Impact
Challenge
A UN-Certified Opportunity for Institutions and Their Students
UN-Certified·Delivered through UNITAR·Aligned with UN AI Ethics & SDGs
“Today, institutions are judged not by whether they use AI, but by how responsibly they prepare students to design, govern, and apply it.”
In Partnership With
Official InitiativeUN-Certified AI for Social Impact challenge is an experience for students who want to stand out in a highly competitive environment and don't have easy access to such opportunities by solving real-world challenges using AI and securing a verified UN credential in two most critical fields today: AI and Sustainability. Top 10 performers will get a chance to get a fully-funded trip to the UN Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
Why Ethical AI Education Can No Longer Be Optional
As AI reshapes every industry, institutions that fail to prepare their students for responsible AI leadership risk falling behind—in rankings, reputation, and relevance.
Fragmented AI Education
Technical AI courses remain siloed in computer science departments, excluding students who need AI literacy most.
Limited Scale & Access
Quality AI ethics training is expensive and inaccessible to most institutions, especially in the Global South.
Disconnected from Real Impact
Most AI courses focus on theory without connecting to real-world social challenges or the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Governance Gap
Institutions lack frameworks for AI governance, SDG alignment, and social risk assessment—affecting credibility and rankings.
Students learn how to use AI tools, but not: how to govern AI ethically, how to align AI with the SDGs, or how to understand AI's societal responsibility. This gap increasingly affects institutional credibility, sustainability narratives, rankings, and how graduates are perceived by global employers and policymakers.
A UN-Certified Learning-to-Action Solution
The AI for Social Impact Challenge bridges the gap between AI education and real-world application—with the credibility of United Nations certification.
Official UN Certification
Students receive a certificate directly from UNITAR (United Nations Institute for Training and Research)—globally recognized and verifiable.
Open to All Disciplines
No coding or technical background required. Designed for students across humanities, business, policy, health, and all fields.
UN AI Ethics Frameworks
Direct engagement with official UN frameworks for responsible AI, including UNESCO recommendations and SDG alignment.
Learning-to-Action Model
Move beyond theory with a structured AI-based solution proposal for real challenges—practical experience that matters.
Who Can Participate?
The AI for Social Impact Challenge is designed to be inclusive and accessible. Whether you're a student, young professional, or lifelong learner—if you care about using technology for good, this program is for you.
No prior AI knowledge required
The course starts from fundamentals and builds your understanding step by step. All you need is curiosity and a desire to make a difference.
School & University Students
Undergraduate and graduate students from any faculty or department.
Youth & Early-Career Changemakers
Young professionals and activists looking to leverage AI for social good.
Any Academic Background
Arts, humanities, business, science, engineering—all disciplines welcome.
Passionate About Impact
Anyone interested in social impact, policy, sustainability, or ethical innovation.
What All Students Gain (Upon Enrollment)
Every enrolled student receives these benefits upon completing the course—regardless of their final challenge ranking.
Official UN Certification (UNITAR)
A globally respected certificate issued through the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, strengthening academic and professional credibility worldwide.
International Exposure & UN-Standard Recognition
Student work is reviewed and recognized using UN frameworks, with opportunities for global showcasing and visibility beyond the local context.
Direct Learning from UN Expertise
Engagement with AI ethics, governance, and responsible innovation through UN-developed content and frameworks—not generic AI training.
Pathways to Projects and Internships
High-performing participants stand out for future opportunities in social impact, innovation, policy, and global development fields.
Experience in Global Priority Areas
Hands-on work on challenges aligned with UN agendas, including climate action, mental health, education, health, equity, and inclusion.
Access to a Global Network
Connection with an international community of students, experts, and practitioners aligned with UN values and global problem-solving.
Stronger Personal & Professional Profile
A high-impact, UN-aligned project that demonstrates leadership, ethical judgment, and innovation—directly enhancing CVs and portfolios.
Eligibility for a Fully Funded UN Experience
Top 10 participants receive a fully funded opportunity to attend a UNITAR event in Geneva, gaining firsthand exposure to the UN ecosystem.
Awards & Recognition for Outstanding Students
The top 10 performers in the AI for Social Impact Challenge receive extraordinary recognition and life-changing opportunities.
Fully Funded UN Recognition Trip
An all-expenses-paid 4-day visit to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland—a special UN recognition experience.
Winners' Certificate & Trophy
Official recognition of excellence through a dedicated winners’ certificate and award trophy presented at the UN ceremony.
Discounts on Future UN Programs
Preferential access and reduced fees for selected UN and UNITAR programs and projects.
Mentorship Opportunities
Direct mentorship and guidance from experts and professionals aligned with UN values and global impact work.
UN Recommendation Letters
Formal recommendation letters issued by the United Nations, supporting academic and professional advancement.
Official LinkedIn Recognition Badge
A digital badge that winners can display on LinkedIn to showcase their UN-recognized achievement.
Inclusion in the AI for Social Impact Yearbook
Winners are featured in the official annual publication documenting outstanding projects and participants.
Global Recognition on UNITAR & Ureka Channels
Public recognition across UNITAR and Ureka channels, highlighting winners and their impact.
Enrollment Information
One-time enrollment fee for full access to the course and certification.
Per Student
- Full 6-hour self-paced UN-certified course
- Participation in AI for Social Impact Challenge
- Eligibility for awards, recognition & exposure
- Templates, ethics checklists, submission support
- Official UNITAR certificate upon completion
- Lifetime course access
Note: Course completion is required to submit your challenge proposal.
Non-refundable after enrollment
What Your Institution Gains
Partner with UNITAR to bring UN-certified AI ethics education to your students at scale—with full implementation support.
UN Ethics & SDG Alignment
Demonstrate commitment to responsible AI and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
UN Certification for Students
Provide your students with globally recognized UNITAR certification.
International Visibility
Position your institution as a leader in ethical AI education worldwide.
Institutional Credibility
Strengthen your reputation with UN partnership and accreditation.
Sustainability Reporting
Support ESG and sustainability narratives with concrete AI ethics initiatives.
End-to-End Support
Dedicated implementation support, analytics dashboards, and cohort management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the course and challenge.
Empowering Ethical AI Leaders
for a Global Future
Join thousands of students and institutions worldwide in building a more responsible, inclusive AI future—certified by the United Nations.
Questions? Contact us at info@ureka.co.uk