UAE’s Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) has hosted a virtual international hackathon in collaboration with the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum.
The hackathon is part of TDRA’s attempts to leverage ICT to achieve sustainable development goals. Further, it aims to identify innovative solutions to problems in three areas such as digital security, blockchain for better well-being, and climate change.
According to the statement, this hackathon is in accordance with TDRA’s efforts to serve the community, as well as its responsibility to drive digital technology, achieve national digital transformation, and share expertise on worldwide platforms.
“The total number of participants in this hackathon was 1,319, including 233 from the Middle East and North Africa, 1,041 from Asia, and so on,” as per the statement. The participants submitted 32 projects, including 12 projects in the field of blockchain, 15 projects in climate change, and 6 projects in digital security,
Mohammad Al Zarooni Deputy Director General Digital Govt Sector TDRA
“The hackathon activities constitute an important point of contact between TDRA and the audience of creators and innovators interested in analyzing data and exploring creative solutions to current key issues. In this hackathon, we went global by attracting innovators from all over the world, relying on the great development of the telecommunications sector, to present their ideas that contribute to finding solutions to the most important global problems. We are extremely proud of the results, which will have a major role in achieving the sustainable development goals and enhancing the happiness of all.”
“TDRA’s organization of the hackathon events and opening the door of participation to all members of society stems from its belief that the ideas of community members make a difference, and that they help achieve safety for all in the digital world, improve goods, healthcare, transportation, and others. They will also contribute to mitigating climate change and building a sustainable environment,” Mr. Al Zarooni further added.
TDRA announced that it is currently evaluating the projects submitted in the hackathon to select the best three projects in each field. The winning projects will be revealed at the United Nations Public Service Forum, which will be held in the UAE from December 13 to 15, 2021.
