Week of 14/10/2024: AI Use cases, Ukraine Aid Efficiency, AI & Democracy Hackathon and WFP hosted Social Protection Forum on Fragility and Conflict

Welcome to this week's edition of Tom's Aid & Development Dispatches. As technology continues to reshape the humanitarian landscape, we're witnessing groundbreaking developments that enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and inclusivity of aid and social change initiatives. This week, we explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and data interoperability are driving progress in various spheres—from humanitarian assistance in Ukraine to innovative behavior change projects, and from democratic governance to social protection in fragile contexts. Join us as we delve into these stories highlighting the fusion of technology and humanitarian efforts aimed at creating a more equitable and responsive world.

Donor Priorities for Data Interoperability in Ukraine Humanitarian Assistance

According to the new "Common Donor Messaging on Humanitarian Cash Assistance in the Response in Ukraine" (updated October 9, 2024), humanitarian donors are emphasizing the importance of interoperable data systems to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of cash assistance programs in Ukraine. These priorities aim to create a more integrated, efficient, and sustainable model of humanitarian assistance.

Key Priorities:

• Deduplication of Assistance: Donors encourage the interoperability of data systems to effectively deduplicate Multipurpose Cash (MPC) and sectoral assistance. By focusing on components included in the Minimum Expenditure Basket, they aim to ensure resources reach those most in need without overlap.
• Cross-Sector Coordination: Enhanced coordination between the Cash Working Group and sectoral clusters is emphasized to develop comprehensive guidelines for complementary programs. This includes determining adequate assistance levels and supporting area-based coordination to address the diverse needs of affected populations holistically.
• Outcome Measurement: The use of standardized MPC Cash Outcome Indicators is encouraged for consistent impact measurement across programs. This standardization facilitates data-driven decision-making and accountability across different organizations and sectors.

Implications:

By improving data interoperability, donors seek to reduce duplication, enhance targeting, increase accountability, and better track the impact of various forms of assistance. This collaborative approach not only maximizes the impact of available resources but also ensures that assistance is tailored to meet the actual needs of affected communities.

AI Use Cases in Behaviour and Social Change Projects

In a recent blog post, Sarah Osman explores how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming social and behaviour change initiatives. Organizations are integrating AI to enhance research, design, and implementation for greater impact.

She highlights several compelling use cases:

• AI-Assisted Behavioural Research and Campaigns
• AI-Driven Community Engagement in India
• Chatbots for Youth Reproductive Health in West Africa

Expanding the Role of AI

Sarah emphasizes that AI is set to transform social and behaviour change interventions in several ways:

• Scaling Interventions at Lower Costs: AI tools enable organizations to reach larger audiences efficiently, which is especially valuable in resource-constrained environments.
• Real-Time Insights and Adaptive Interventions: AI facilitates continuous monitoring and allows projects to adapt messaging based on user interactions and emerging trends.
• Bridging Cultural and Linguistic Gaps: AI-driven natural language processing makes interventions more accessible in multilingual regions by using local dialects and culturally relevant content.

👉 Discover more about these innovative AI applications and share your own use cases by visiting Sarah Osman's blog post

AI & Democracy Hackathon: Leveraging AI for Democratic Values

On November 11, 2024, the GMF Technology Program, in partnership with the Rockefeller Foundation, is hosting an AI & Democracy Hackathon at IPADE Business School in Mexico City. Facilitated by Maria Halse Duloquin and organized by Caitlin Goldenberg, Sharinee Jagtiani, and Adrienne Goldstein, this event aims to develop actionable AI solutions that strengthen democratic institutions against challenges like deepfakes and misinformation.

The hackathon will bring together 40–50 participants, including data scientists, democracy researchers, activists, journalists, and newsroom staff. Forming teams of four to five, participants will create democracy-affirming technology prototypes that harness existing AI tools to promote democratic values.

Key AI Challenges:

• Discriminatory Misinformation and Disinformation
• Fact-Checking and Verification
• Contextual Integrity of Media
• Source Traceability and Data Provenance
• Digital Literacy and Education
• Detection and Mitigation of Automated Influence

Applications are open from September 11 to October 18, with a pre-hack session on October 29. This event presents a unique opportunity to collaborate on innovative solutions that enhance trust and transparency in governance. For more details and to apply, click here.

Upcoming Social Protection Forum on Fragility and Conflict in Rome

Vincent van Halsema a specialist in social protection and the Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) Nexus, announced the commencement of the Social Protection Forum on Fragility and Conflict. After over a year of meticulous planning involving dozens of experts and extensive coordination, the forum is set to begin at the World Food Programme (WFP) headquarters in Rome.

Spearheaded by the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and co-hosted by the World Bank, USAID, BMZ (Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development), UNICEF, and WFP, the event will gather more than 150 participants over the next three days. The aim is to discuss best practices, address challenges, explore opportunities, and chart a path forward to strengthen social protection programs in fragile and conflict-affected settings, particularly within the HDP Nexus.

Forum Structure and Themes:

• Core Themes:
• Cross-Cutting Themes:

This significant gathering aims to enhance resilience building, promote inclusive development, and improve humanitarian action aligned with global development goals.

Stay Informed:

We look forward to sharing the insights and outcomes from this pivotal forum. For those interested in the intersections of social protection, fragility, and conflict, this event represents a major step toward fostering partnerships for progress.

Ukraine's Digital Transformation Minister Meets with Grammarly CEO to Advance AI and Education

Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's Ministerat the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine recently met with Grammarly CEO Rahul Roy-Chowdhury in a significant visit that marks the CEO's first trip to Ukraine and the first by the company's top management since the full-scale invasion began. This meeting highlights the support of global tech leaders for Ukraine's digital advancement and resilience.

Key Highlights:

• Grammarly's Ukrainian Roots: Founded by Ukrainians, Grammarly is an AI-powered assistant that enhances communication and productivity. With over 30 million daily users worldwide, including more than 3,000 educational institutions like leading U.S. universities, Grammarly stands as a testament to Ukrainian innovation on the global stage.
• Support for Ukraine through UNITED24: Grammarly has been a proactive donor to UNITED24, a fundraising initiative launched by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Their contributions have funded the purchase of Type C ambulances, the reconstruction of a residential building in Irpin, and the rebuilding of a school in Maryanivka, Kyiv region. Additionally, Grammarly has donated over 20 million UAH to Okhmatdyt, making them the largest donor to Ukraine's primary children's hospital.
• Collaborative Focus on AI Development: A shared priority of the meeting was the advancement of artificial intelligence. Grammarly is actively participating in shaping Ukraine's Voluntary Code of Conduct for the Responsible Use of AI, contributing to the establishment of standards for the safe and ethical deployment of AI technologies in the country.

Looking Ahead:

The meeting sets the stage for numerous collaborative projects aimed at driving innovation and supporting Ukraine's digital transformation. Both Fedorov and Roy-Chowdhury expressed excitement about future initiatives that will leverage technology to benefit society and strengthen Ukraine's position in the global digital landscape.

Conclusion

As we reflect on the developments highlighted this week, it's evident that technology, when harnessed responsibly, has immense potential to amplify the impact of humanitarian and development efforts. From enhancing data interoperability in Ukraine's aid programs to leveraging AI for social change, democratic governance, and digital transformation, these initiatives underscore a collective commitment to innovation and collaboration. The convergence of AI and humanitarian action is not just shaping new tools but is also redefining strategies to build more resilient, inclusive, and effective responses to global challenges. Let's continue to engage with these advancements, share knowledge, and foster partnerships that drive positive change. Thank you for joining us in exploring these transformative stories, and we look forward to bringing you more insights in the weeks ahead.

Until next time, keep innovating and collaborating for a better world.

Tom