As urban population continues to increase and natural resources continue to deplete, there are great concerns over the future sustainability and co-existence of mankind. Decades long problems of urbanization, over-exploitation of natural resources and social disparities are exacerbated by the outbreak of the COVID-19 and political instability in the region. In recent years, the concept of circular economy has been popularized to realize the sustainable future. Circular economy is not only limited to the material cycle, but also a more holistic change involving changes in life style, values, behaviors and thinking. Yes, we have had some progress. But still there is a long way to go – we need to keep pushing our effort to further our goals for sustainability.  

The Department of Development and Sustainability will organize its third Sustainability Hackathon 2021 “Finish the unfinished“ on 26-27 November 2021 in the hybrid mode. The aim of the 2021 Hackathon is to develop solutions toward achieving the world’s sustainability using a combination of in-classroom knowledge, real-world experience, global trends, international conventions, global agreements, sustainable financing, digital technologies, indigenous knowledge, and collective strengths. Participants need to form a team of at least 3 members in order to take part in this Hackathon. The actual topics for hacking will be announced on the day of the event launching. However, participants can begin to think around these important key phrases- urbanization, depletion of natural resources, social injustice and inequality, circular economy, nature-based solutions, vulnerability and exclusion, and SDGs as part of the preparation. As part of the academic evaluation process, certain rules will be applied to AIT students taking the Introduction to Development and Sustainability course. Instruction will be given by the instructor of the course soon.

As a general guideline, each team is required to develop the solutions in the forms of sustainability business concept, web and mobile technology platforms, startup, and the like. To accommodate the worldwide participation, the launching event and hacking time are expected at 5:00 PM Bangkok time on 26 November 2021 and the pitching will start at 3:00 PM on 27 November 2021.

Please mark your calendar. A detailed program will be announced shortly