“Charitable Crusaders to Unleash the Power of Artificial Intelligence!”
“More Humanitarian Organizations Will Harness AI’s Potential”
“…humanitarian organizations can’t necessarily keep pace with that kind of innovation. In many places where they operate, the basic infrastructure—electricity, landlines, roadways—can be unreliable or nonexistent. Bringing in expensive, high-tech equipment isn’t always feasible, nor is it always the best solution.”
Oh the irony, isn’t it glorious? While tech giants are busy racing to shape the future with artificial intelligence (AI), humanitarian organizations are wrestling with dilemmas that are distinctly 20th century. Basic infrastructure such as electricity, landlines and – dare we say it – reliable roadways, can be about as elusive as a unicorn in certain regions. But against that backdrop, it seems, the allure of AI cannot be ignored.
Sure, shipping pricey, cutting-edge equipment to disaster-ridden areas looks bulky on paper and might make the bean counters break into hives. But such immediate concerns tend to put on a dazzling blindfold when it comes to the enticing promises of AI. High resolution satellite images, machine learning algorithms predicting cholera outbreaks and AI systems helping to map out disaster response – all of these use cases can make humanitarian work feel like it’s time-travelled into a Jetsons episode.
Evidently, there is a dichotomy to be resolved. AI opens potential doorways to transform humanitarian efforts, that can’t be denied. But it’s also keenly remembered that in locations where humanitarian organizations are most needed, a Wi-Fi signal is rarer than blue steak. So, how does AI fit in within such scenarios, when even the most basic building blocks for its operation are found wanting?
This is where the balancing act comes in and with it, the need to adapt. Adapting could possibly mean finding ways to make AI operational within the limits of technology rudimentary locations can offer. It could mean learning to field grubby reality alongside shiny innovation. Yes, maintaining focus on classic relief efforts like restoring water supply, providing medical aid and ensuring food security is quintessential. But ignoring the potential of AI, even as a long term plan, might be about as intelligent as asking a colour-blind chameleon to blend in.
Ponder this – AI, with all its advanced intelligence, has also advanced the need for human intelligence when it comes to implementation. There is a need to understand when and where to deploy AI, judging the potential gains against practical limitations. But isn’t that what evolution is all about, the need to adapt and grow?
Look around that glass tower or Silicon Valley office. While we casually complain about Wi-Fi speeds and our coffee orders, hundreds of humanitarian organizations are finding ways to bridge the past and the future. Figuring out how their humanitarian goals can align with tech innovation, they’re causing revolutions and evolutions of their own – even with those patchy Wi-Fi signals. Let’s make some noise for them, shall we?