The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) of Qatar has announced the launch of the “Youth Hackathon for Justice and Innovation,” a regional initiative aimed at leveraging artificial intelligence and digital technology to address challenges in the justice sector. Scheduled to take place in Doha from March 21 to 28, 2027, the hackathon will bring together young legal professionals from Qatar and across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to develop innovative, practical solutions under expert guidance.
Organized in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), this event seeks to empower emerging legal talent to engage with the ongoing digital transformation within judicial institutions. The program aligns with the MoJ’s 2025-2030 strategic plan, which focuses on enhancing legal services, fostering institutional excellence, and building a workforce adept in future-ready skills. The initiative aims to promote responsible innovation, capacity building, and stronger institutional collaboration throughout the Gulf region.
Participants will undergo specialized training and mentorship designed to equip them with skills to identify and analyze justice sector challenges, select appropriate technologies, and develop deployable prototypes. The hackathon emphasizes four key areas: the responsible use of AI in justice, ensuring access to clear and reliable legal information, leveraging technology to improve digital legal services, and creating multilingual solutions to overcome language barriers in accessing legal resources.
Dr. Jassim Saleh al-Kuwari, Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice for State Lawsuits Affairs and Chairman of the Youth Hackathon for Justice and Innovation, said the initiative reflects the ministry’s strategic priority on youth empowerment and digital transformation. He stressed that the partnership with UNITAR underscores Qatar’s commitment to nationalizing legal expertise and institutional capacity-building. Al-Kuwari highlighted that the hackathon supports multiple pillars of the MoJ’s strategy, including capability development, innovation, and enhancing the efficiency of legal services using modern technologies.
He further noted that the event aims to deepen cooperation among GCC justice ministries by fostering knowledge exchange, attracting young talent, and developing practical solutions that contribute to the modernization of regional justice systems while upholding principles of trust, transparency, and accountability.
Michelle Giles-McDonough, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of UNITAR, described the hackathon as an important opportunity to invest in human capital and foster regional collaboration. She emphasized the program’s role in equipping young legal professionals with the skills necessary to transform ideas into actionable solutions that enhance access to justice and help shape future justice frameworks.
Applications for the hackathon will be accepted until December 31, 2026, subject to eligibility criteria and a selection process designed to ensure balanced representation across participating GCC countries.