Initiative hopes to hack into young generation's tech interest

While many university students may care more about surfing on social media, hanging out, or playing video games than visiting a museum, the 24-hour programming competition Hackathon initiated by the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza is attempting to attract young people with the help of modern technology.

Held twice now, the Hackathon initiates a task — for instance, improving the GEM's photo book services at last year's competition — for participants to show their creativity and develop solutions that integrate technological innovation and teamwork.

Introducing digital technology into management and engaging with younger generations in integrating museums into lifelong learning has been the GEM's aim for the past two years.

Gehane Nabil, director of the Grand Egyptian Museum Learning Center, shared what it has accomplished through the Hackathon at the Third UNESCO High-Level Forum for Museums held from Wednesday to Friday in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province.

The second day of the forum focuses on harnessing digital technology and AI, and the roles of museums as educational agents and platforms for lifelong learning.

Attendees from museums, government bodies and cultural institutions across continents shared examples and views on technology as a support, not a goal, in museum management, knowledge sharing, and community connections.