SDGs and Digital Futures: Changemaking Through AI and Digital Storytelling

Programme Overview

UNITAR (Generated by AI)

In 2025, the SDGs and Digital Futures: Changemaking Through AI and Digital Storytelling programme brought together young changemakers from across Asia to build their skills in using digital media to tell impactful stories. By using artificial intelligence (AI) and digital platforms, the young people developed stories to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The programme combined online learning, a study tour to Hiroshima, mentoring, and public engagement. The participants developed practical skills in digital tools, strengthened their understanding of the role of AI in digital storytelling, and produced original multimedia stories, which they presented to a broad range of stakeholders.

The programme was funded by the Hiroshima Prefectural Government and the City of Hiroshima and implemented in partnership with the UNITAR Association. It commemorated 80 years since the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Programme Snapshot

UNITAR

Participants: Youth aged 15–28 (at the time of application)
Geographic reach: 8 Asian countries and Hiroshima, Japan
Total number of participants: 22
Final programme graduates: 12

Programme Structure

Phase 1 – Online Capacity-Building (June–July 2025)
Participants completed a seven-week online learning programme covering ethics and AI, generative AI tools and the foundations of digital storytelling, alongside an introduction to UNITAR and the SDGs.

Phase 2 – Hiroshima Study Visit (August 2025)
Participants engaged in an immersive study tour combining peace education, site visits and hands-on workshops on AI and digital platforms.

Phase 3 – Story Project Development and Presentation (September–November 2025)
With online mentoring, participants finalized their digital stories on a range of topics that included deforestation, post-disaster recovery, marine resource conservation, peace and the legacy of Hiroshima, and global warming. A panel of judges selected three outstanding projects, which the programme participants presented during a public workshop, “Building Peace, Block by Block, Minecraft and Hiroshima”, held in Hiroshima on 22 November 2025.