Purpose: This session dives into the practical applications of Artificial Intelligence in humanitarian work, transcending traditional perceptions of AI as merely large language models. It highlights how AI-powered open-source tools and advanced GeoAI projects can enhance decision-making, optimize operations, and foster community resilience in disaster risk reduction, anticipatory action, and operational planning.

Expected Outcomes: Participants will gain hands-on experience with intuitive tools such as SketchMapTool and MapSwipe, explore projects like GeoAI4Water, and engage with new innovative datasets like the global road surface dataset derived from 105 million images. By the end of this session, attendees will have a solid understanding of how AI technologies can be directly applied to their field, empowering them to improve humanitarian outcomes.

The session concludes with a 15-minute interactive segment where participants can envision their dream AI tools. Guided by cards showcasing current AI technologies, this brainstorming exercise will catalyze creative ideas for future humanitarian-focused innovations, fostering collaboration and imagination.

By the end, attendees will understand AI’s evolving capabilities and identify actionable pathways to leverage these innovations in their roles.

Target audience:

Humanitarian practitioners who work in community engagement, disaster risk reduction (DRR), anticipatory action (AA), information management, logistics, and/or operational planning.

Additionally, individuals working at the program level aim to understand humanitarian-specific use cases for AI-based tools.