CodeFest 2026 · Theme guide
17 big problems.
Pick the one you want to fix.
In 2015, the countries of the United Nations agreed on 17 goals to make the world fairer, healthier and greener by 2030. This guide explains the goals. Choose one that matters to you and develop your own original competition project.
- 01
Notice
What makes you say "that's not fair" or "that should be better"? Start there.
- 02
Match
Find the goal below that fits that feeling. Tap a topic to narrow it down.
- 03
Shrink it
Keep your project focused so you can complete it before the event.
What do you care about?
17 goals shown
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Goal 1
No Poverty
Should every family have enough to live on?
Learn about this goal →
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Goal 2
Zero Hunger
Can we make sure no one goes to bed hungry?
Learn about this goal →
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Goal 3
Good Health and Well-being
How can everyone feel healthy and happy?
Learn about this goal →
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Goal 4
Quality Education
What if every child could learn in a great way?
Learn about this goal →
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Goal 5
Gender Equality
Should girls and boys get the same chances?
Learn about this goal →
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Goal 6
Clean Water and Sanitation
Can everyone have clean water and a safe toilet?
Learn about this goal →
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Goal 7
Affordable and Clean Energy
How can we power the world without harming it?
Learn about this goal →
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Goal 8
Decent Work and Economic Growth
What makes a job fair and safe?
Learn about this goal →
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Goal 9
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
What could you invent to make life better?
Learn about this goal →
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Goal 10
Reduced Inequalities
How can we make things fairer for everyone?
Learn about this goal →
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Goal 11
Sustainable Cities and Communities
What would your dream neighbourhood look like?
Learn about this goal →
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Goal 12
Responsible Consumption and Production
Can we use things wisely and waste less?
Learn about this goal →
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Goal 13
Climate Action
What can we do to protect our climate?
Learn about this goal →
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Goal 14
Life Below Water
How can we keep our oceans and sea creatures safe?
Learn about this goal →
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Goal 15
Life on Land
How can we protect forests and wild animals?
Learn about this goal →
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Goal 16
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
How can we be fair and solve problems peacefully?
Learn about this goal →
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Goal 17
Partnerships for the Goals
What can we achieve when we team up?
Learn about this goal →
The ground rules
- 1Pick ONE goal. Your whole project is about a single SDG. Choose the one you care about most.
- 2Prepare your own project. Complete your individual project before the event.
- 3Use your own tools and accounts. For example ChatGPT, Gemini or Claude. No AI tools, keys or credits are provided.
- 4Software only. No hardware, robots or sensors. It runs in a web browser on your laptop.
- 5Say your goal out loud. State your chosen SDG in your presentation and in your prompt journal (AI Game Makers) or README (AI Web Builders).
Document your own work
State your chosen SDG in your presentation and README or prompt journal. Record your own prompts, changes and decisions, and explain how you used AI responsibly.
Where to next
Registration and submission forms are currently closed pending final approval. Explore and plan now; dates and details are on the category pages.