The deployment of artificial intelligence in humanitarian work is gaining momentum as organizations seek innovative solutions to address record-breaking global crises affecting hundreds of millions of people.
Current humanitarian landscape: The world faces unprecedented challenges with 120 million people displaced by violence and disaster, while 300 million people require humanitarian assistance.
- The number of displaced persons has doubled in the past decade
- Progress on UN Sustainable Development Goals is declining or stagnant in most fragile countries
- Children born in fragile states face ten times greater risk of poverty compared to those in stable countries
AI applications in humanitarian work: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) and its research lab, Airbel, are implementing AI solutions across three critical domains: information dissemination, education, and climate response.
- The Signpost project, supported by Google.org, Cisco Foundation, Zendesk, and Tech for Refugees, uses digital channels to provide crucial information to displaced populations
- An AI prototyping lab is being developed to evaluate Generative AI’s effectiveness in humanitarian operations
- These initiatives aim to counter misinformation and protect vulnerable populations during migration
Educational innovations: AI-powered solutions are being developed to address the educational needs of 224 million crisis-affected children worldwide.
- Lelapa AI is working to develop African language capabilities for AI models
- OpenAI is providing reduced-cost access to ChatGPT for nonprofits
- AprendAI, a new AI-driven educational chatbot platform, delivers personalized learning experiences in local languages
Climate resilience initiatives: AI technologies are being deployed to protect communities from extreme weather events.
- Google’s AI-powered Flood Hub provides flooding forecasts across 80 countries
- A partnership between Google.org, IRC, and GiveDirectly uses machine learning to establish early warning systems in Northeast Nigeria
- The system triggers automated cash transfers to help communities prepare for climate hazards
Future implications: As AI technology continues to evolve, its successful implementation in humanitarian work could mark a turning point in addressing global crises, though careful consideration must be given to ensuring these benefits reach those most in need while mitigating potential risks.
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