Call for Code: A Global Initiative Harnessing AI for Sustainable Development
March 5, 2025
In its eighth year, the Call for Code initiative continues to inspire developers around the globe to apply their skills and creativity towards solving some of the world’s most pressing issues. This year, the program focuses on a series of hackathons designed to address various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations, with a special emphasis on developing AI-driven solutions.
Organized by the David Clark Cause in collaboration with IBM, the United Nations Human Rights, and the Linux Foundation, Call for Code 2025 invites developers to participate in a global challenge that aims to leverage artificial intelligence to tackle humanitarian challenges. The initiative seeks to transform the potential of technology into actionable solutions that can significantly impact communities worldwide.
A Brief History of Call for Code
Since its inception in 2018, Call for Code has established itself as a prominent platform for driving tech-based social innovation. The initiative was founded by David Clark of the David Clark Cause, in partnership with IBM and the United Nations Human Rights. Over the years, it has mobilized developers worldwide to create solutions that address global challenges, with a particular focus on sustainability, climate change, and humanitarian aid.
In 2022, Call for Code was recognized as the preferred innovation platform for the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance, emphasizing its commitment to promoting climate justice through technology.
2025 Global Challenge: AI and the SDGs
The Call for Code Global Challenge 2025 is centered around the theme of artificial intelligence and its potential to address humanitarian issues. Participants are invited to create AI-driven solutions that align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. This year’s challenge will feature five qualifying hackathons, each focusing on a different SDG and encouraging participants to develop proof-of-concept solutions using IBM’s cutting-edge AI and cloud technologies.
IBM’s TechXchange Client Advocacy team will collaborate with Call for Code to host these hackathon events, providing participants with access to IBM’s AI portfolio, including watsonx.ai, and IBM Cloud services. Each hackathon will be themed around one of the 17 SDGs, offering developers a unique opportunity to apply their skills to a specific global issue.
The First Hackathon: Clean Water and Sanitation
The first hackathon will take place from March 20 to March 31, 2025, coinciding with UN World Water Day on March 22. Participants will be tasked with developing an AI virtual agent using watsonx.ai to address issues related to SDG6: Clean Water and Sanitation. This event aims to inspire innovative solutions that can improve access to clean water and sanitation, a critical issue affecting millions worldwide.
Upcoming Hackathons: Climate Action and More
In addition to the focus on clean water and sanitation, Call for Code will host a hackathon dedicated to SDG 13: Climate Action. This event will be part of the 2025 Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit, a significant forum for discussing climate-related human rights issues. The summit will be hosted by UN Human Rights and the University of Oxford, with participation from leading universities worldwide. This hackathon will challenge developers to create AI solutions that can contribute to climate action and promote environmental sustainability.
A Platform for Innovation and Skill Development
Call for Code 2025 offers participants a platform to experiment with AI technologies, hone their skills, and network with a global community of like-minded individuals. As IBM Senior Vice President Dinesh Nirmal points out, participants will have no-cost access to enterprise-grade IBM software, offering them the tools necessary to build impactful solutions.
Incentives and Opportunities
The hackathons present not only a chance to innovate but also to win attractive prizes. Each hackathon’s top solution will receive a cash prize of $5,000 USD and a conference pass for each team member to attend the IBM TechXchange Conference 2025 in Orlando. This conference is IBM’s largest technical learning event of the year, providing attendees with valuable insights and networking opportunities (note: official rules apply, and tickets are non-transferable, with travel and lodging costs not included).
Moreover, the best teams from the qualifying hackathons will have the opportunity to compete for the 2025 Call for Code Global Challenge Grand Prizes, with a top cash prize of $50,000 USD. These teams will also benefit from open-source project support from the Linux Foundation, giving them further resources to develop and deploy their solutions. The grand prize winners will be announced in December 2025.
How to Participate
Developers interested in participating in the Call for Code 2025 challenge can register for the first hackathon by March 18, 2025. The hackathon will run from March 20 to 31, and detailed information about subsequent events will be available on the Call for Code website as the year progresses.
Conclusion
Call for Code 2025 exemplifies the power of technology to drive meaningful change. By fostering innovation and collaboration among developers worldwide, the initiative aims to address global challenges and promote sustainable development. As the world continues to face complex issues, initiatives like Call for Code demonstrate that with the right tools and creativity, technology can be a force for good.
For more information on Call for Code and to stay updated on upcoming events, visit the official website.
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