Hacking Inequality with the UN
2016 was a tough year, with unprecedented migration, political upheaval, and economic uncertainty. While ‘the few’ have prospered, it is a well-documented fact that income inequality increased by 11% in developing countries between 1990 and 2010. Evidence shows that inequality harms growth and poverty reduction, the quality of relations in the public and political spheres, and individuals’ sense of fulfilment and self-worth.
Despite this, here at UniHack, we see local and global problems as opportunities for determined, socially conscious leaders to make a difference in the world. Reducing inequality, which is Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10, is one such problem. It is one that we are delighted to be tackling as part of a global push for social change from the United Nations, driven by our friends at Connect2Effect. With 1,000 people in nine cities across five continents hacking various SDGs, the potential for technological innovation and social change is just enormous.
In just two weeks time we’re bringing together 70 of the brightest, most ambitious, social leaders at The Office Group’s Albert House, all in the name of hacking inequality. Applications are open (the first 50 are already in!), and we’re looking for coders, designers, all round entrepreneurial types, and people with a passion for social change. If you have an idea, bring it along, and let’s get working on it. If not, we’ll be running immersive ideation workshops to get the juices flowing and help people form teams for the weekend. Whether you come as an individual or a pre-formed team, what matters to us is that you bring a sharp brain, a desire to build a better world, and a bring-it-on attitude!
For this event, we’re targeting three core areas of focus within SDG 10; social inclusion, a better economy for all, and financial flows/global payments.
If you like the idea of hackathons, but aren’t sure how to solve what can seem like an astronomical problem in inequality, let’s break it down. Goal 10 calls for reducing inequalities in income as well as those based on age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, economic or other status within a country. It means ensuring fair work opportunities, tackling mass migration, and allowing a better, more just financial flow around the globe. In a Brexit-dominated Britain, ultimately, this means healing communities and investing in people both here in London, and across the developing world.
You can read more on these in our challenge brief, and investigate the topic further on our data portal. If you would like to join us, all you have to do is apply for our hackathon on F6S. Yes its free, yes there’ll be great food, and yes, even a few exciting prizes too…
We look forward to seeing you there!
