Humanitarian Academy 119d ago

This is a recording of an online session which took place on 3 March 2026 as part of Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Weeks (HNPW). Session speakers: * Musaab Abdalhadi, Save the Children in Sudan * Ali Al Mokdad, Independent * Gülsüm Özkaya, Children of the Earth Association * Lucy Hall & Ka Man Parkinson, Humanitarian Leadership Academy Session description: The Humanitarian Leadership Academy and Data Friendly Space's 2025 global mapping exercise of humanitarian AI practices reveals a rapidly evolving field — one where enthusiasm often outpaces inclusion. While AI adoption is expanding, local actors remain underrepresented in shaping how these technologies are developed, governed, and applied. This imbalance risks deepening existing inequities across the humanitarian system — but it also presents an opportunity for transformation. This session reframes AI not only as a digital tool to be localised, but as a catalyst for localisation itself. By embedding AI transformation within the humanitarian culture — from data ethics and digital literacy to collaborative system design — we can create new mechanisms of equitable partnership and knowledge exchange that accelerate humanitarian system reform. Drawing on findings from the 2025 research as well as early 2026 data and the emerging AI Ready framework, panellists will explore practical pathways for building locally led AI ecosystems. Discussion topics will include inclusive governance, shared data infrastructure, and co-created innovation models that redefine what “locally led” means in a digital age.