The Association Burundaise pour le Développement, la Démocratie et les Droits Humains (AB3D) is pleased to highlight its participation in the UNESCO Youth Hackathon 2025, an initiative that brought together young people to explore innovative approaches to media and information literacy and digital competencies.
The participation of Sylvère NIBARUTA, President and Founder of AB3D, reflects the organization’s commitment to strengthening the capacity of young people to navigate an increasingly digital world, critically engage with information, and contribute responsibly to their communities.
Building skills for a changing information environment
Young people today are increasingly exposed to a complex information environment shaped by social media, digital platforms, artificial intelligence, online communities, and rapidly changing technologies. While these tools create important opportunities for learning, civic participation and innovation, they also require users to develop the ability to assess information critically and make informed decisions.
The UNESCO Youth Hackathon provided an opportunity to learn, exchange experiences and reflect on how young people can become active contributors to a healthier digital information ecosystem.
For AB3D, media and information literacy is closely connected to democratic participation, human rights and social inclusion. Access to information is important, but the ability to understand, verify and use information responsibly is equally essential.
From participation to local action
AB3D considers international learning opportunities such as the UNESCO Youth Hackathon valuable not only for individual professional development, but also for strengthening local action.
The knowledge and perspectives gained through such initiatives can contribute to AB3D’s broader work with young people and communities in Burundi, particularly in areas related to civic engagement, democratic governance, digital participation and access to reliable information.
By connecting global knowledge with local realities, AB3D seeks to support young people in becoming more informed, critical and constructive actors within their communities.
A continued commitment to youth engagement
AB3D warmly acknowledges UNESCO’s efforts to create spaces where young people can learn, innovate and contribute to discussions on the future of information and digital societies.
The organization is also pleased to have received a Certificate of Participation from UNESCO following the 2025 Youth Hackathon.
For AB3D, this experience reinforces an important principle: young people should not only be considered beneficiaries of digital transformation, but also active participants in shaping it.
AB3D will continue to explore opportunities that strengthen youth leadership, digital competencies, civic participation and innovation, while promoting a more informed, inclusive and responsible society in Burundi and beyond.