AI & Humanitarian Technology Blog

Practical insights on artificial intelligence, machine learning, large language models (LLMs), cybersecurity, and digital transformation from 20+ years of implementing these technologies in UN humanitarian operations. From RAG applications and multi-agent AI systems to predictive analytics for refugee resettlement, these articles bridge the gap between cutting-edge AI and real-world humanitarian impact.

All Articles (30)

• Building AI Systems Where Infrastructure Fails: Lessons from 20 Years in the UN (2026-05-09)
  Lessons from building AI systems across UNHCR, UNICEF, UNOCHA, and ESCWA in environments with unreliable infrastructure, fragmented data, and multilingual users.
• What Is Agentic AI and Why It Matters for Humanitarian Operations (2026-05-09)
  An explanation of agentic AI and its practical application in UN humanitarian operations, with real project examples from UNHCR and ESCWA.
• How AI Governance Works in the United Nations System (2026-05-09)
  A practical guide to how AI governance operates across the United Nations system, drawing on 20 years of experience at ESCWA, UNHCR, UNICEF, and UNOCHA.
• The Next Great Divergence: Asymmetries in Artificial Intelligence Preparedness and the Political Economy of the Arab World (2026-01-05)
  This paper examines the widening AI preparedness gap in the Arab world, identifying a "Next Great Divergence" between GCC frontier economies and lagging states, proposing a "Two-Track, One-Region" policy framework for regional integration.
• Why I Am Using McKinsey's Vizro (And Why You Should Too) (2025-12-03)
  After two decades building data systems in resource-constrained environments, I discovered Vizro—McKinsey's open-source framework that transforms dashboard development from painful to productive.
• Understanding Synthetic Data: A Privacy-Preserving Solution for Sensitive Information (2025-04-06)
  
• The Model Context Protocol (MCP): The USB-C for AI Applications (2025-04-02)
  Discover how the Model Context Protocol (MCP) is revolutionizing AI applications by providing a standardized way to connect with external data sources and tools.
• Artificial Intelligence’s Transformative Impact on Industry and Economy (2025-04-01)
  After years of working with AI in humanitarian operations, I began to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming not just how we deliver aid—but how entire industries, labor markets, and global economies are evolving. This article examines that shift through real-world examples in manufacturing, healthcare, finance, logistics, and governance, offering an analytical look at where we are—and what’s next.
• AI's Role in Safeguarding Vulnerable Populations and Developing Inclusive Digital Frameworks (2025-03-25)
  
• Debunking Data Protection Myths in the Age of AI for Humanitarian Work (2025-03-03)
  
• AI’s Role in Safeguarding Vulnerable Populations and Developing Inclusive Digital Frameworks (2025-03-01)
  
• How ChatGPT Works: A Deep Dive into AI Language Models (2025-02-07)
  An in-depth exploration of how ChatGPT works, from its neural network architecture to its training process and limitations.
• Leveraging AI to Categorize Sensitive Refugee Call Transcripts: A Step-by-Step Approach (2025-02-01)
  Learn how we built an AI system to categorize sensitive refugee call transcripts using advanced techniques like Knowledge Distillation and multilingual model training.
• Mastering Executive Presence for IT Leaders: Command Attention and Drive Decisions (2025-01-26)
  
• Crafting Executive Presence: A Data Analyst's Guide to Influencing with Impact (2025-01-26)
  Learn how to command attention, build trust, and turn complex analyses into compelling stories with this comprehensive guide to executive presence for data analysts.
• How AI is Transforming the World: A Comprehensive Guide (2025-01-11)
  Explore how Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing industries, businesses, and daily life in this comprehensive guide covering everything from business applications to healthcare innovations.
• The Ultimate Guide to Mastering AI Chat (2025-01-10)
  A comprehensive guide exploring the world of AI chatbots, their history, types, benefits, and challenges. Learn how AI chat is transforming technology and business.
• Frequently Asked Questions: AI in the UN System (2025-01-10)
  A comprehensive FAQ guide about how Artificial Intelligence is being implemented and managed across the United Nations system, including challenges, frameworks, and future recommendations.
• Operational Use of AI in the UN System (2025-01-10)
  
• The Data-to-Decision Journey: A Practical Guide for Humanitarian Work (2025-01-08)
  Explore the systematic approach to transforming raw data into actionable decisions in humanitarian work, with real-world examples and practical insights.
• Learn Generative AI and LLMs in 7 Weeks (2025-01-07)
  A comprehensive 7-week program to master Generative AI, LLMs, and AI agents. From foundations to advanced applications, this course provides hands-on experience and practical skills.
• My Journey Leveraging AI and Technologies and Key Takeaways (2025-01-04)
  Reflecting on two decades of leveraging AI and technology for humanitarian impact, sharing key lessons and insights from transformative projects in refugee assistance and digital innovation.
• Ethical AI: Lessons Learned from Working with the United Nations (2025-01-04)
  Explore the ethical challenges and solutions in implementing AI within global organizations, drawing from United Nations experience.
• AI for Good: How Technology is Shaping the Future of Humanitarian Work (2025-01-02)
  Discover how AI is revolutionizing humanitarian work through real-world applications and projects implemented in Jordan, focusing on refugee support and crisis response.
• How AI is Transforming Global Development: Insights from My UN Experience (2024-12-18)
  Explore how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing global development through UN initiatives, from poverty alleviation to healthcare and climate change mitigation.
• A Detailed Guide to ChatGPT (2024-11-19)
  A comprehensive guide exploring ChatGPT, its features, capabilities, and comparison with Google Gemini. Learn how this AI chatbot is revolutionizing human-computer interaction.
• Secure and Anonymized Reporting System for Humanitarian Emergencies (2024-11-09)
  A comprehensive proposal for a secure and anonymized reporting system for humanitarian emergencies, leveraging WhatsApp voice messaging, AI transcription, and data analytics.
• The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (2024-11-08)
  Discover how artificial intelligence is accelerating progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals, from fighting hunger to climate action.
• Shahzad Asghar: A Leader in Artificial Intelligence at the United Nations (2024-07-02)
  
• Poverty Mapping: Technical Deep-Dive and Practical Applications (2024-03-24)