Humanitarian Frontiers in AI
“Humanitarian Frontiers in AI” is a groundbreaking podcast series designed to explore the strategic and practical aspects of artificial intelligence (AI) in the humanitarian sector. This series aims to bring together thought leaders from academia, humanitarian innovation, and the tech industry to discuss the opportunities, risks, and real-world applications of AI in enhancing humanitarian efforts. Over a series of ten episodes, the project will delve into specific topics relevant to decision-makers and influencers within the sector, providing insights into how AI can be effectively and ethically integrated into humanitarian work. This podcast is graciously funded by Innovation Norway. https://en.innovasjonnorge.no/
This Podcast is not affiliated with UNWFP and the views expressed by the co-hosts are solely their own personal views and does not represent the views of UNWFP
Humanitarian Frontiers in AI
Aid and Algorithms: Demystifying LLMs
What does it actually take to use LLMs? We may see the prompt center and receive a beautiful answer or use a WhatsApp chatbot and have an informative conversation, but the reality is that there’s a lot that goes on in the background. There are also a lot of things that NGOs will need to consider as they move forward in a changing world. AWS AI specialist David Master and Tech Tavern founder Scott Turnbull join this conversation to discuss how evolving technology and AI are influencing the non-profit space today. We discuss responsible use, donor responses to AI needs, and how new technological solutions are influencing HR and education in the workplace. Touching on the impact of AI on environmental research and addressing misconceptions about the impact of AI, we discuss the efficiency and complexity of AI today. If there’s one key takeaway from this conversation, it is to understand that AI is an enabler, rather than a threat to employment or efficiency. Tune in as we explore AI’s potential to change lives!
Key Points From This Episode:
- What large language models (LLMs) are and how to use them.
- Understanding machine learning (ML) and its uses.
- Where NGOs should begin to leverage AI and ML to meet humanitarian crises.
- Allocating financial and human resources to maximize these tools.
- How donors are responding to new tech tools with safety in mind.
- Assessing whether reticence towards AI interaction with users is warranted.
- Using AI to mitigate risk and understanding the risk of failing to act.
- HR and educational resources that AI can provide.
- How AI data sets are supporting environmental advocacy.
- Misconceptions about artificial intelligence in the non-profit space.
- The efficiency and complexity that AI is creating today.
- Sustaining AI beyond quick fixes with data, value-add insights, and lighter models.
- Customer concerns and why many of them stem from a lack of understanding.
- Low-hanging fruit and long-term gain in the context of leveraging AI.
- Extracting meaningful data from AI in the context of humanitarian response.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Nasim Motalebi
Nasim Motalebi on LinkedIn
Chris Hoffman on LinkedIn