UNICEF Code.org The Asia and the Pacific Regional Hour of Code

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​Introduction & Background 

As part of The ASP Regional Dialogue on Digital Transformation: Gearing Up for Inclusive and Sustainable Development, the  United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Code.org, and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) are organising The Asia and the Pacific Regional Hour of Code in close collaboration with the Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI) of World Wide Web Foundation on 9 December 2021 at 14:00 - 17:30 Bangkok time.

The first session will provide an online course from the UNICEF and Code.org on “Hour of Code". The Hour of Code is a global campaign to encourage students, teachers, and parents to try a one-hour introduction to computer science with the goal of showing that anybody can learn the basics. Research shows vast benefits from learning computer science and coding skills at a young age. Beyond learning digital literacy, children who learn computer science and coding tend to excel in problem-solving, creativity, math, spatial and reasoning skills, and more. Organizations from around the world have created fun and engaging self-guided tutorials that can be used to participate in the Hour of Code. As the world moves more towards technology, it is important to equip all children and youth with the right skills to excel in both life and the workforce. Girls in particular lack opportunities for acquiring skills in the field of technology. We need to strive for higher female participation in areas which are usually the domain of men, such as ICT and engineering – areas where job growth is the highest in this region. Increased representation of girls and women in the tech sector also has huge benefits in terms of developing gender-responsive technologies and innovation, and for opening up more paths for women's participation in the field.

The second session will invite students, girls, boys and youths to join the ITU awareness Child Online Protection guidelines presentation. Online technologies present many possibilities for children and young people to communicate, learn new skills, be creative and contribute to establishing a better society. Protecting children is a common responsibility and it is up to all relevant stakeholders to ensure a sustainable future for all. For that to happen, policy-makers, the private sector, parents, carers, educators and other stakeholders, must ensure that children can fulfil their potential – online and offline. Parents, guardians, and educators also have a responsibility to ensure that children and young people are utilizing Internet sites safely and responsibly. 

Participation Requirements: