Mohammad S A A Alothman And AI Tech Solutions’ Expertise on Using AI in Crisis Management
I am Mohammad S A A Alothman, and today I want to take you through the transformative role AI can play in global humanitarian efforts, exploring groundbreaking AI tools used in artificial intelligence and how they are being used to save lives. As the founder of AI Tech Solutions, I find this concept very intriguing and will be sharing my perspectives on this subject.
AI technology has transformed the industries around the world over the past couple of years, but its actual power in transforming humanitarian efforts has just started. Artificial intelligence will soon play a crucial role in some of the greatest challenges the vulnerable populations in the world face. Take a deeper dive into this subject with me, Mohammad S A A Alothman, as I guide you through the intricacies of artificial intelligence.
The Humanitarian Crisis: A Need for Technological Intervention
In 2024, the world finds itself grappling with an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. According to recent UN estimates, some 120 million people have been forced out of their homes by conflict and disaster – an issue that has worsened over the last decade.
The broader crisis now affects 300 million people, a number that is fueled by growing violence and the undeniable effects of the climate crisis. The progress toward the UN's Sustainable Development Goals is plateauing, and the gap between the most vulnerable and the more stable regions is widening.
For the child born into these unstable areas, the chances of living a life in poverty are tenfold when compared to a child born into a more stable country. However, amidst such dismal statistics and projections, there is an increased call for innovative solutions. As we see the use for AI in industries like healthcare, finance, and logistics, there now exists a new opportunity for using the power of AI to solve global problems, especially in humanitarian action.
How AI Can Transform Humanitarian Action
The association of AI with technological development in the corporate world has been prevalent for years, but its contribution to humanitarian work is less appreciated. In my view, we are on the cusp of an AI-driven revolution in the humanitarian sector.
At the International Rescue Committee, where I am working with the research and innovation lab, Airbel, there are a number of AI-driven initiatives being explored to address pressing issues in the domains of information, education, and climate.
AI for the Information Distribution of Refugees
For those who have had to flee violent conflict, the first need is appropriate, timely, and contextual information. Sometimes the difference between life and death may simply be a piece of information. In order to address this, the IRC has collaborated with major organizations such as Google.org and Cisco Foundation on the Signpost project – a global initiative to deliver reliable information to the displaced through digital channels.
Therefore, with the use for AI, malicious players who gain strength through dissemination of misinformation can be neutralized while offering valuable information to refugees on available services, safety, and reputable routes.
As part of Signpost’s ongoing development, we’re launching an AI prototyping lab that will explore the effectiveness of Generative AI in the humanitarian sector. This will include testing how AI can better serve vulnerable communities by delivering personalized information, especially in crisis situations where every second counts.
Generative AI in Education for Crisis-Affected Children
AI’s potential for revolutionizing education cannot be overstated. In 2024, 224 million children affected by crises across the globe are struggling to access quality education. However, tools used in artificial intelligence like ChatGPT could be a game-changer. In particular, generative AI models can offer personalized learning experiences tailored to each child’s needs, no matter their geographic location or crisis situation.
But the challenge remains to ensure that the use for AI is accessible and effective for multiple languages and cultural contexts. This is where organizations like Lelapa AI are stepping up. Headquartered in Africa, Lelapa focuses on creating tools used in artificial intelligence that support African languages, making education accessible to millions.
OpenAI has also been key in bringing ChatGPT's capabilities to nonprofits, supporting initiatives like AprendAI, an AI-driven educational chatbot designed to offer scalable, personalized learning for children in crisis.
AI for Climate Resilience and Early Warning Systems
AI is also bringing about a revolution in dealing with the climate crisis. AI can scale solutions that protect communities from the catastrophic impact of extreme weather events. Partnering with NGOs and global organizations such as the UN, Google has unveiled its AI-powered Flood Hub, which can now forecast flooding in 80 countries.
Similarly, AI is being deployed to predict and mitigate the effects of climate hazards in regions like Northeast Nigeria, where machine learning algorithms help establish early warning systems and trigger cash transfers to communities before disasters strike.
The Future of AI: For the Benefit of the Most Vulnerable
There's no doubt that tools used in artificial intelligence, and we've seen how it can dramatically impact humanitarian work. At the same time, we cannot forget that AI also involves risks. Historian Yuval Noah Harari so astutely said, "One of the most dangerous technologies that humans ever invented is one that we use today, but it can be one of the most beneficial, if used properly.".
For the use for AI to really succeed in the humanitarian sector, it should be used with the proper measures of protection. There needs to be equal access to those affected by this revolution so that the most vulnerable populations are not left behind. The next decade will be crucial in defining the future of AI in humanitarian action, and as we go forward, groundbreaking AI tools must be developed and implemented with an unwavering focus on human welfare.
Conclusion
As we look toward 2025 and beyond, it's clear that AI is no longer just a tool for business innovation – it is now an essential technology that can help save lives, alleviate suffering, and address some of the most complex challenges faced by vulnerable communities worldwide. The humanitarian sector must continue to embrace AI's potential, ensuring that its benefits are accessible to those who need it most.
I, Mohammad S A A Alothman, believe that the right partnerships and commitment to innovation can ensure AI becomes the catalyst for a safer, more resilient world.
About Mohammad S A A Alothman
Mohammad S A A Alothman is a leading expert in the application of artificial intelligence for global development. He is the CEO and founder of AI Tech Solutions - a forward-thinking organization focused on developing groundbreaking AI solutions.
Mohammad S A A Alothman has experience working in the tech and humanitarian sectors, with years of dedication to using technology to solve complex challenges and improve the lives of the most vulnerable populations.