The year 2024 has witnessed an unprecedented surge in humanitarian crises, marking a bleak period for millions across the globe. The number of people displaced by violence and disaster has reached a staggering 120 million, double the figure from a decade ago. This escalating crisis is further exacerbated by the intensifying effects of climate change and increasingly violent conflicts, pushing the total number of people requiring humanitarian assistance to a staggering 300 million. The ripple effects are felt most acutely in fragile states, where progress towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals has stalled or regressed, leaving children born in these nations ten times more likely to experience poverty compared to their counterparts in stable countries. This dire situation underscores the urgent need for a paradigm shift in humanitarian response – a technological surge leveraging the transformative power of artificial intelligence.
The potential of AI to revolutionize humanitarian efforts has been a topic of discussion for years, carefully weighing the risks and benefits while awaiting the realization of its promised positive impact. The year 2025 appears to be a turning point, with the humanitarian sector poised to harness AI’s capabilities in significant ways. When strategically employed, AI can unlock new possibilities in terms of scale, speed, and reach of humanitarian operations, offering personalized assistance and substantial cost savings. Organizations like the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and its research and innovation lab, Airbel, are actively exploring AI applications in their programs, observing promising advancements in three critical areas: information dissemination, education, and climate resilience. These initiatives are often strengthened through impactful public-private partnerships and collaborative efforts.
Access to timely, accurate, and contextually relevant information is paramount for refugees navigating the complexities of displacement. Knowing who to trust, where to find essential services, and how to ensure personal safety are critical for survival. The global information project, Signpost, exemplifies the power of AI-driven solutions in this domain. Backed by Google.org, in collaboration with IRC, Cisco Foundation, Zendesk, and Tech for Refugees, Signpost utilizes digital channels and social media to provide vital information to millions of displaced individuals. This initiative not only empowers refugees but also counteracts the misinformation spread by smugglers who prey on vulnerable populations, ultimately saving lives along perilous migration routes. As Signpost evolves, it’s establishing an “AI prototyping lab” to rigorously evaluate and mitigate the risks associated with Generative AI applications within the humanitarian sector, paving the way for wider adoption.
Education represents another crucial area where AI can make a transformative impact. With 224 million children globally affected by crises, the need for innovative educational solutions is dire. Generative AI holds the potential to enhance and personalize learning experiences for these vulnerable children. One significant challenge, however, lies in adapting and strengthening AI models to function effectively in diverse local languages, particularly those not currently well-supported by existing technologies. Lelapa AI, an African AI research and product lab, is addressing this gap by developing new language capabilities to bring the power of AI to the African continent. Simultaneously, OpenAI, a leading AI research organization, is facilitating access to its powerful language model, ChatGPT, for nonprofits at reduced costs, further democratizing access to this transformative technology.
OpenAI’s support extends beyond language access, encompassing the development of AprendAI, a global AI-powered educational chatbot platform. AprendAI provides personalized digital learning experiences at scale, delivered through accessible messaging platforms to crisis-affected children, teachers, and parents. This innovative approach simultaneously addresses the educational needs of these communities while contributing to the ongoing refinement and adaptation of ChatGPT for local languages, expanding its reach and impact.
The devastating consequences of extreme weather events are increasingly felt globally, underscoring the urgent need for effective climate resilience measures. Artificial intelligence offers powerful tools to address this challenge. Google, in partnership with NGOs, governments, and the UN, has developed an AI-powered “Flood Hub,” capable of forecasting floods in 80 countries, providing critical early warnings that can save lives and minimize damage. Furthermore, Google.org, in collaboration with IRC and GiveDirectly, is utilizing machine learning in Northeast Nigeria to establish advanced forecasting systems. These systems trigger timely early warnings and facilitate preemptive cash transfers to vulnerable communities ahead of anticipated climate hazards, enabling proactive measures to mitigate the impact of these events.
The immense potential of AI to address critical humanitarian challenges comes with a responsibility to ensure equitable access to its benefits. As Yuval Noah Harari, the renowned scholar and historian, aptly pointed out, AI is both the most dangerous and potentially the most beneficial technology ever created. In 2025, it is imperative that the transformative power of AI is harnessed to uplift the world’s most vulnerable populations, ensuring that its advantages are accessible to those who need them most. This requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, tech companies, and research institutions, to prioritize ethical development, equitable deployment, and focused application of AI solutions to address pressing humanitarian needs.
The convergence of unprecedented humanitarian needs and the rapid advancement of AI technologies presents a unique opportunity. By fostering collaboration, promoting responsible innovation, and prioritizing the needs of the most vulnerable, the humanitarian sector can harness the transformative power of AI to deliver effective, efficient, and equitable assistance to those affected by crises, paving the way for a more resilient and hopeful future. The challenge now lies in translating the potential of AI into tangible impact, ensuring that its benefits reach those who need them most, thereby fulfilling the promise of “AI for Good” in the realm of humanitarian action.
