Applications are open from 26 October to 31 December 2026.
Programme dates: 21–28 March 2027
Location: Doha, Qatar
Location: Doha, Qatar
26 October 2026, Geneva, Switzerland – The Ministry of Justice of the State of Qatar and The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) have launched the Justice, Tech & Youth Innovation Challenge: Bridging the Gap Between AI and the Modern Rule of Law, a regional initiative that will bring together approximately 100 young professionals from across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to develop practical, responsible technology-based solutions to challenges facing justice systems.
Advancing Innovation and Access to Justice
As artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies reshape public institutions, the initiative aims to equip young professionals with the skills to develop responsible, practical solutions that improve access to legal information and justice services.
By bringing together legal and technology professionals from across the GCC, the challenge will encourage regional collaboration and innovation while emphasizing transparency, accountability and the responsible use of emerging technologies.
Dr. Jassim Salih Khamis Al Kuwari, Assistant Undersecretary for State Cases Affairs at the Ministry of Justice and Chair of the Organising Committee for the Justice, Tech & Youth Innovation Challenge, highlighted the importance of investing in young people and responsible digital transformation:
Empowering young Qatari legal professionals and advancing digital transformation are strategic priorities for the Ministry of Justice, guided by our commitment to strengthening the rule of law and providing accessible, secure and reliable legal services.
The Ministry’s partnership with UNITAR supports its 2025–2030 strategy by enhancing training, building national capacities, drawing on international legal expertise and fostering effective institutional partnerships. The partnership also promotes innovation, continuous learning and the development of reliable digital solutions centred on the needs of service users, he noted.
The regional Hackathon also aims to deepen legal cooperation among GCC Ministries of Justice and develop practical solutions that contribute to the modernization of justice systems across the region while upholding the principles of trust, transparency and legal responsibility, he added.
From Learning to Innovation: How the Challenge Works
The programme will combine four days of specialized training with a three-day mentored hackathon, following a learning-by-doing approach that places real-world justice challenges at the centre of the innovation process.
Participants will work in multidisciplinary teams to develop and test solutions across four priority areas:
- Responsible and impartial AI
Exploring fair, ethical and trustworthy use of AI in justice. - Accurate and up-to-date legal information
Improving access to reliable and current legal information. - Accessible digital justice
Developing solutions for more inclusive and user-friendly services. - Multilingual legal navigation across the GCC
Leveraging technology to bridge language barriers and enhance regional access to justice.
Investing in the Next Generation
Ms. Michelle Gyles-McDonnough, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director of UNITAR, emphasized the importance of strengthening young professionals' capacities to respond to emerging challenges in the justice sector:
This Innovation Challenge is an opportunity to crowdsource talent from across GCC member countries. It is an investment in human capabilities and regional collaboration. By empowering young professionals to turn bold ideas into responsible, practical solutions, we are nurturing a new generation of problem-solvers equipped to advance access to justice and shape the future of justice systems.
WHO CAN APPLY?
The challenge is open to young professionals aged 25 to 35 from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Applicants must speak Arabic and hold at least a bachelor's degree in law, science, technology, engineering, mathematics or a related discipline. Approximately 100 participants will be selected, with flights and accommodation covered by the project.
Applications close on 31 December 2026.
About UNITAR
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is the training and capacityu-development arm of the United Nations. Its mission is to bridge the knowledge and skills gaps through impactful training, research and innovative learning solutions across peace, diplomacy, sustainable development, and effective governance.
Through strategic partnerships and learning platforms, UNITAR builds the skills of individuals and enhances the capacities of institutions and organizations, particularly those in vulnerable contexts, to accelerate progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Pact for the Future.
Find out more: https://unitar.org/
About The Ministry of Justice – State of Qatar
The Ministry of Justice of the State of Qatar is responsible for justice-related affairs and the provision of legal services. Its mission focuses on delivering transparent and efficient legal services that meet society’s needs, strengthening institutional and community partnerships, and promoting legal awareness in support of an integrated justice system.
Find out more: https://www.moj.gov.qa/en/about-ministry