Shows
Humanitarian Frontiers in AIWhere to Next?During the tenth and final episode of Humanitarian Frontiers in AI, we discuss how the changes we have seen in the past year might influence the year to come. This broad conversation covers tech advancements and adoptions in the humanitarian sector, what is fuelling the need for partnerships, and how context-specific work can support the effective use of community-driven technologies. We also get into false perceptions about open source, the risk AI poses to open source, and why traditional ways of work are irrelevant to evolving tech. Next, we discuss what our sector can do to improve its relationship...2025-05-1441 minHumanitarian Frontiers in AI3Ps: Policy, Product, Pragmatism: You Only Know What You KnowWhat happens when the worlds of policy, product development, and pragmatic decision-making collide in the race to create responsible AI? In this episode of Humanitarian Frontiers in AI, we are joined by a panel of experts, Sabrina Shih, Hadassah Drukarch, Gayatri Jayal, and Jigyasa Grover, for an in-depth discussion of responsible AI development in humanitarian contexts. Together, they unpack the realities of applying AI technologies in crisis-affected settings and grapple with issues around trust, speed, cultural adaptation, and ethical responsibility. They unpack how “human-in-the-loop” models must adapt depending on the context, how affected populations should be involved in AI desi...2025-04-3047 minHumanitarian Frontiers in AIAI Regulations: Trickling up, Pouring Down, or Nowhere to Be Seen?Who sets the rules for AI and who gets left behind? In this episode of Humanitarian Frontiers in AI, we’re joined by Gabrielle Tran, Senior Analyst at the Institute for Security and Technology (IST), and Richard Mathenge, Co-founder of Techworker Community Africa (TCA), to explore the global landscape of AI regulation and its humanitarian impact. From the hidden labor behind AI models to the ethical and political tensions in governance, this conversation unpacks the fragmented policies shaping AI’s future, from the EU’s AI Act to the U.S.'s decentralized approach. Richard sheds light on the underp...2025-04-1444 minHumanitarian Frontiers in AIThe Donor Dilemma: Risk Tolerance, Innovation and ResponsibilityHow do donors balance risk, responsibility, and innovation in the evolving humanitarian sector? In this episode of Humanitarian Frontiers in AI, we welcome leading voices from the donor landscape Therese Marie Uppstrøm Pankratov, Special advisor at Innovation Norway, Sian White, Director of UK Humanitarian Innovation Hub, and Zainah Alsamman, Senior Progam Manager at Grand Challenges, to discuss shifting funding priorities and the role of AI in humanitarian work. In today’s conversation, we explore the challenges and opportunities in scaling AI-driven solutions, ethical data use, and how to foster partnerships to create imp...2025-03-3155 minHumanitarian Frontiers in AINowhere To Go but Up: Future Trends of AI Use in the Humanitarian SectorAs the humanitarian sector navigates significant transformation, AI is emerging as an essential tool, but how do we ensure it is used effectively, ethically, and at scale? In this episode of Humanitarian Frontiers in AI, we welcome Nana Gamkrelidze, Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting Delegate at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and Karin Maasel, CEO at Data Friendly Space and Board Chair at H2H Network, to discuss the latest AI trends in humanitarian work, the challenges of adoption, and the evolving role of technology in crisis response. In our conversation, we delve...2025-03-1846 minHumanitarian Frontiers in AIAid and Algorithms: Demystifying LLMsWhat does it actually take to use LLMs? We may see the prompt center and receive a beautiful answer or use a WhatsApp chatbot and have an informative conversation, but the reality is that there’s a lot that goes on in the background. There are also a lot of things that NGOs will need to consider as they move forward in a changing world. AWS AI specialist David Master and Tech Tavern founder Scott Turnbull join this conversation to discuss how evolving technology and AI are influencing the non-profit space today. We discuss responsible use, donor responses to AI...2025-02-2557 minHumanitarian Frontiers in AIPeering Through the Data Scope: Uncovering the UnknownHow can humanitarian organizations harness the power of AI while safeguarding data and ensuring ethical use? In this episode, hosts Nasim Motalebi and Chris Hoffman are joined by experts Jeff Wagg and Matthew Harris to demystify the complexities of AI and data management in the humanitarian space. Jeff is an AI consultant for Relief International, where he focuses on deploying innovative AI solutions in fragile settings. Matthew brings his expertise from DataKind and the World Food Programme, specializing in data science and AI practices for scalable and equitable solutions. In today's conversation, they explore the role of data in...2025-02-1049 minHumanitarian Frontiers in AIEthics and Responsibility from 30,000 FeetAre we ready to let AI drive humanitarian solutions or are we rushing toward an ethical disaster? In this episode of Humanitarian Frontiers in AI, host Chris Hoffman is joined by AI experts Emily Springer, Mala Kumar, and Suzy Madigan to tackle the pressing question of accountability when AI systems cause harm and how to ensure that AI truly serves those who need it most. Together, they discuss the difference between AI ethics and responsible AI, the dangers of rushing AI pilots, the importance of AI literacy, and the need for inclusive, participatory AI systems that prioritize community wellbeing...2025-01-2057 minHumanitarian Frontiers in AIWhere to Start with Strategy?Implementing a successful AI strategy for your social enterprise may seem overwhelming, but with the right support, the results can be transformative. In today’s conversation, hosts Nasim Motalebi and Chris Hoffman sit down with Juriaan Lahr and Lindsey Moore to discuss how humanitarian organizations can implement and build a successful AI strategy. Juriaan is the Director of Digital Transformation at the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC), the world’s largest humanitarian network, and Lindsey is the CEO and Founder at DevelopMetrics, a company leveraging ethical AI to revolutionize global development. Together, they unpack how organizations in the huma...2025-01-0751 minHumanitarian Frontiers in AIStrategic Implications of AI in Humanitarian WorkHow should we think strategically about AI, address its emerging challenges, and approach solutions with realistic expectations? In the inaugural episode of Humanitarian Frontiers in AI, hosts Nasim Motalebi and Chris Hoffman are joined by Michael Tjalve from Humanitarian AI Advisory, Hovig Etyemezian from UNHCR, and Nick Thompson of The Atlantic. Together, they delve into the efficiencies and complexities of AI today and its profound implications for the humanitarian sector. Guests share insights on mitigating risks, the critical importance of involving intended audiences in the AI development process, and much more. The discussion navigates the delicate balance between the...2024-12-1953 min