Episoder
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Are 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 over box-ticking for compliance. Emily, Mala, and Suzy also emphasize the importance of collaboration with the Global South and address the funding gaps that typically hinder progress. The panel argues that slowing down is crucial for building the infrastructure, governance, and ethical frameworks needed to ensure AI delivers a sustainable and equitable impact. Be sure to tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on balancing innovation with responsibility and shaping AI as a force for good in humanitarian action!
Key Points From This Episode:
Responsible AI versus AI ethics and the importance of operationalizing ethical principles.The divide between AI for compliance (negative rights) and AI for social good (positive rights).CARE’s research advocating for “participatory AI” that centers voices from the Global South.Challenges in troubleshooting AI failures and insufficient readiness for technical demands.The need for AI literacy, funding for holistic builds, and a cultural shift in understanding AI.Avoiding “participation-washing” in AI and raising the standard for meaningful inclusion.Ensuring proper due diligence through collaborative design and authentic engagement.Why it’s essential to slow down and prioritize responsibility before rushing AI implementation.The question of who is responsible for halting AI deployment until systems are ready.Balancing global standards with localized needs: the value of a context-sensitive approach.Building infrastructure for the future: a focus on foundational technology, not one-off solutions.What goes into navigating AI in a geopolitically diverse and rapidly changing world.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Emily Springer on LinkedIn
Mala Kumar
Mala Kumar on LinkedIn
ML Commons
Suzy Madigan on LinkedIn
Suzy Madigan on X
The Machine Race by Suzy Madigan
CARE International
FCDO Call for Humanitarian Action and Responsible AI Research
Nesta Collective Crisis Intelligence
ML Commons AI Safety Benchmark
‘Collective Constitutional AI: Aligning a Language Model with Public Input’
Nasim Motalebi
Nasim Motalebi on LinkedIn
Chris Hoffman on LinkedIn -
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 humanitarian sector can harness the power of AI to grow their impact while navigating the ethical questions and unique challenges of these emerging technologies. Discover how humanitarian organizations are adopting best practices in AI, building capacity, financing AI implementation, and much more. To hear the full scope of today’s fascinating conversation, be sure to tune in!
Unpacking the role of AI in the IFRC's Digital Transformation Strategy.The IFRC’s three pillars of AI implementation: improving productivity, knowledge management, and delivering humanitarian services.How USAID is using AI for strategy development and evidence-based decision-making.The IFRC’s approach to navigating the challenges and ethical questions that accompany AI.How Lindsey helps organizations adopt AI best practices and build capacity.Finding the optimal mix of collaboration when using AI in your organization and academia.The benefits and difficulties of local partnerships when using AI in the humanitarian sector.Taking on the challenge of trying to fill data gaps and the drawbacks of synthetic data.How AI can help advance data practices in a humanitarian organization.The importance of shared goals and organizational knowledge in AI adoption.Juriaan and Lindsey’s approach to building AI capacity for their teams and organizations.The investment requirements and expected ROI of implementing AI.Rapid-fire round, including what Lindsey and Juriaan are most excited and fearful about.
Key Points From This Episode:Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Juriaan Lahr on LinkedIn
Lindsey Moore on LinkedinIFRC
DevelopMetricsWorld Food Program
Nasim Motalebi
Nasim Motalebi on LinkedIn
Chris Hoffman on LinkedIn -
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How 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 costs of error and efficiency, emphasizing the necessity of deeply understanding the tools you use—or collaborating with someone who does. Finally, the episode underscores the risks of rejecting AI adoption in humanitarian work, highlighting how such resistance can shift power to those perpetuating crises rather than those striving to resolve them. Join us for a pragmatic look at how AI strategy can be implemented to ethically and effectively support humanitarian efforts around the world. Thanks for listening.
Key Points From This Episode:
Welcoming listeners and guests, Nick Thompson, Michael Tjalve, and Hovig Etyemezian. This episode’s topic: thinking strategically about AI and problem-solving using artificial general intelligence.Nick weighs in on what this might mean for the humanitarian sector. Michael’s perspective on beneficiary-facing versus internal tools.Avoiding risks associated with AI by involving the client in the development process.What to take into account with regard to the cost of error.Understanding what is lost when the human element is extracted in favor of an algorithm.Balancing the efficiency that AI can create for humanitarian work with the challenges and the threat of inaccuracy it poses.Why it is so important to have an in-depth understanding of the AI tools that you choose to use.Hovig’s perspective on what is truly necessary to use AI effectively in the humanitarian world. Unpacking the cost of error and efficiency.The relationship between objective and outcome in the context of AI. Costs associated with AI and who is responsible for them. Considering whether or not there is room to partner with other companies to deploy solutions.Capacity building through language models. Understanding risk while developing strategies. Rapid fire questions for each guest. Nasim and Chris reflect on the pragmatism and expertise shared during the first episode.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Nicholas Thompson on LinkedIn
Nick ThompsonNick Thompson on X
The AtlanticMichael Tjalve on LinkedIn
Humanitarian AI Advisory
Hovig Etyemezian on LinkedIn
Hovig Etyemezian on X
UNHCR
Nasim Motalebi
Nasim Motalebi on LinkedIn
Chris Hoffman on LinkedIn
