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How can humanitarian organisations bridge the AI readiness gap through critical thinking and localised approaches?

Humanitarian organisations face a critical challenge: while individual staff members are racing ahead with AI experimentation in their daily work. 

According to new research from NetHope, only around 9% of nonprofit organisations report being fully ready for systematic AI adoption. This gap between individual curiosity and institutional preparedness isn't just about access to tools - it's about building the right competencies to use AI responsibly and effectively.

In this episode, guest host Madigan Johnson from Data Friendly Space speaks with Meheret Takele Mandefro, Business Analyst at NetHope's Centre for the Digital Nonprofit. Drawing from her powerful journey - from witnessing educational inequality in rural Ethiopia to experiencing digital isolation during conflict - Meheret brings a unique perspective on what AI literacy truly means for the humanitarian sector.

Drawing from NetHope's AI Readiness Benchmark research, Meheret reveals the challenge isn't technological - it's human, strategic, and deeply contextual.

Tune in for a practical, grounded conversation exploring:

• Why AI literacy must go beyond technical skills: The often-overlooked competencies of critical thinking, ethical decision-making, cultural intelligence, and change leadership
• The critical role of culturally sensitive, localised approaches: How AI can complement rather than replace traditional knowledge systems and indigenous wisdom
• Balancing urgency with competency development: Dual-track approaches that deploy safe AI tools for immediate needs whilst building long-term skills through iterative practice
• How blended learning ecosystems truly work: Integrating formal training with peer-to-peer learning, working groups, and real-world case studies
• Plus, practical guidance: How smaller organisations can begin their AI literacy journey and why the sector needs to think critically about whether, when, and how to adopt AI
  
  

Visit the episode webpage for show notes including speaker bios and full transcript:
www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources/humanitarian-ai-podcast-series-developing-ai-literacy-a-matter-of-trust-critical-thinking-and-localisation

Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources

The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations.

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Questioning visuals in humanitarian communications and fundraising in light of localisation and AI.

The use of images is crucial in the way we communicate especially in the humanitarian sector where an image is truly "worth a thousand words", many emotions, conversations and storage for historic information.

In this episode Deborah Adesina (Debby), Doctoral Scholar at the University of Liverpool and David Girling, Associate Professor at the University of East Anglia, UK both co-leads of the Charity Advertising Research Series hold a light-hearted yet thought-provoking conversation on the use of generative AI images as an option for humanitarian campaigns. 

Nwabundo Okoh, Comms and Marketing Lead at the HLA approaches the conversation through the lens of David and Debby's in-depth research pieces and follow-up articles on the analysis of UK charity visual communications in direct mail campaigns and the analysis of charity advertising supporting international causes in UK national newspapers. Asking how/if generative AI images might be considered now or in the future. 

Debbie quoting Susan Sontag says that “the problem isn’t that people remember through photographs but they remember only the photographs” 

Listen now to hear David and Debbie's fresh perspectives on findings from their research; why knowing your 'why' is so important; how humanitarians can consider navigating the use of AI for images, what to be aware of and more

Keywords: Localisation, Ethical storytelling, International development, Poverty, Fundraising, Humanitarian communication, Photography, AI, Education, Co-creation, Authenticity

Speakers: David Girling, Associate Professor, School of Global Development - University of East Anglia, UK | Deborah Adesina, Doctoral Scholar, University of Liverpool | Read their full profiles and find more information here: To AI or not to AI: a humanitarian comms conversation - Humanitarian Leadership Academy

Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources

The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations.

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How can experimentation and collaboration bridge the gap between humanitarian AI aspirations and reality? 

Our recent AI research conducted in partnership with Data Friendly Space highlighted infrastructural constraints and risk tolerance as major barriers to AI adoption. In this fifth instalment of our six-part Humanitarian AI podcast series, we explore how Rwanda's innovation ecosystem offers practical lessons for the humanitarian sector.

We're delighted to welcome Deogratius Kiggudde, Programme Manager for The Upanzi Network at Carnegie Mellon University Africa in Kigali. Deogratius sits down with Ka Man Parkinson and shares his experiences of working with open-source community-centred tech and AI in Rwanda's innovation ecosystem and beyond.

Tune in for a practical, grounded conversation on AI implementation, including:

• Deogratius’ experience of working within Rwanda's experimentation culture
• The potential of small language models for humanitarian AI
• The power of community-driven open-source tech
• Insight into real-world connectivity solutions
• Plus, Deogratius answers community questions.

Visit the episode webpage for shownotes including speaker bios, episode transcript and supporting links:

https://www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources/humanitarian-ai-podcast-series-localising-ai-solutions-practitioner-experiences-from-rwanda

Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources

The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations.

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How can indigenous knowledge systems and African philosophy reshape how we build and deploy AI for humanitarian work?

Our research surfaced ethical and cultural concerns from humanitarians worldwide, particularly around the ownership and suitability of AI systems developed elsewhere for localised humanitarian action. How can communities shape AI rather than simply receive it?

In the fourth instalment of our six-part Humanitarian AI podcast series, Wakanyi Hoffman, Head of Research on Sustainable African AI Innovation at the Inclusive AI Lab, Utrecht University, speaks to Ka Man Parkinson about building inclusive, contextualised AI through Ubuntu philosophy and community wisdom.

In this conversation, Wakanyi explores:

• Ubuntu and the "right to relate" framework - rethinking AI ethics beyond individual rights
• How recognising ourselves as storytellers and "data workers" reclaims power in AI development
• Small language models as sustainable, community-led alternatives to large corporate systems
• Designing AI for retirement, not permanence - an indigenous approach to technology
• Community questions on digital divides, cultural representation, human rights and authentic amplification

Visit the episode webpage for shownotes including speaker bios, episode transcript and supporting links:

www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources/building-inclusive-ai-indigenous-knowledge-frameworks-from-kenya-and-beyond

Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources

The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations.

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How can humanitarians engage responsibly with AI tools without clear governance frameworks?

Only one in five humanitarian organisations have formal AI policies despite widespread usage - creating a "governance vacuum." How can organisations develop robust AI governance when operating across diverse regulatory environments whilst AI regulation is still emerging?

In the third instalment of our six-part Humanitarian AI podcast series, Timi Olagunju speaks to Ka Man Parkinson to discuss how humanitarian organisations can close this governance gap.

Timi Olagunju is a lawyer specialising in tech policy and AI governance, working at the intersection of law, technology, and development. He offers insights into the regulatory landscape affecting humanitarian AI adoption across Africa and globally.

In this conversation, Timi examines:

• Why AI literacy is the cornerstone of governance - not an afterthought
• How fragmented regulatory environments in Africa can create 'procurement paralysis' 
• Four principles for responsible AI deployment
• Practical guidance on data protection - treating data like cash
• Community questions on AI transparency, data protection challenges, regulatory gaps, and safeguarding strategies

Visit the episode webpage for shownotes including speaker bios, episode transcript and supporting links:

www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources/humanitarian-ai-podcast-series-addressing-governance-gaps-perspectives-from-nigeria-and-beyond

Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources

The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations.

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How can humanitarian organisations bridge the gap between individual AI experimentation and organisational adoption?

In this second instalment of our six-part humanitarian AI podcast series, Ka Man Parkinson sits down with Michael Tjalve to explore how organisations can move from experimentation to the deployment of ethical, fit-for-purpose AI solutions - if an organisation decides that this is the right pathway for them.

Michael brings over two decades of expertise working at the intersection of technology, social impact and humanitarian action. As founder of Humanitarian AI Advisory, co-founder of the RootsAI Foundation, and former Chief AI Architect at Microsoft Philanthropies, and with roles in academia and the UN, he offers insider perspectives on these challenges.

In this deep dive conversation, Michael discusses implementation barriers, practical steps and possibilities, including:

• Why AI policy development should be every organisation's first step
• Looking beyond ChatGPT and large language models for contextualised humanitarian solutions
• Language barriers and broadening AI access
• Community Q&A

Visit the episode webpage for shownotes including speaker bios, episode transcript and supporting links:

https://www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources/humanitarian-ai-podcast-series-bridging-implementation-gaps-from-ai-literacy-to-localisation

Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources

The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations.

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The humanitarian community conversation on AI continues.

Tune into a companion episode where the team respond to community questions raised at the August 2025 online launch event of the report 'How are humanitarians using AI in 2025? Mapping current practice and future potential' from the Humanitarian Leadership Academy and Data Friendly Space. 

The research team Lucy Hall and Ka Man Parkinson from the HLA and Madigan Johnson from DFS answer audience questions covering specific report-focused queries as well as broader questions around the application of AI by humanitarians. 

This is a companion content to the podcast episode featuring the research team: How are humanitarians using AI: reflections on our community-centred research approach. Visit the podcast webpage for speaker bios, links and a conversation transcript:

www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources/how-are-humanitarians-using-ai-reflections-on-our-community-centred-research-approach

Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources

The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations.

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How can artificial intelligence research be designed with community engagement at heart?

When a simple LinkedIn poll asking humanitarians how often they use AI was scaled into a global survey attracting 2,500+ responses, it revealed something unexpected: practitioners are hungry to discuss AI adoption but lack the community space to air views and experiences. 

The team behind the first systematic study of AI use in humanitarian work reveal how they turned organic community engagement into global research. Lucy Hall and Ka Man Parkinson (Humanitarian Leadership Academy), together with Madigan Johnson (Data Friendly Space) discuss and reflect on their campaign approach to rapid, community-driven research - balancing speed with rigour when evidence is urgently needed.

What you'll hear:

• Candid reflections on their research approach and lessons learned
• Why they had to shelve planned video content
• How cross-organisational collaboration can work during major sectoral shifts

Who should tune in: humanitarian researchers, MEAL professionals, communications specialists, technologists, and anyone interested in community-led research with Global South focus.

Visit the episode webpage for speaker bios, transcripts, and links to the report and resources:

https://www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources/how-are-humanitarians-using-ai-reflections-on-our-community-centred-research-approach

Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources

The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations.

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“Do not look at refugees solely as vulnerable people in need of aid. Recognise them as skilled capable and resilient individuals who have been displaced by the conflict. We believe that refugees should be seen as partners not just as beneficiaries and that’s what Women Refugees for Peace and Development are currently doing.” – Amira

Some call it the 'forgotten crisis' but since April 2023, conflict in Sudan has led to a severe humanitarian disaster, with many fatalities and millions including children displaced. Mona Elshareif Tazorah, Amira Timan and Rayan Salah from Sudan – now live and work in Uganda and in this podcast episode remind us that even if the world forgets you, you must never forget yourself. 

Our three speakers from Women Refugees for Peace and Development Organisation (WRPDO) have taken the lead on ensuring that people who arrive Entebbe and Wakiso municipality seeking refuge in Uganda in 2025 do not face the same challenges they faced when they too arrived in Uganda to seek refuge.

In this episode which shines the spotlight on the work of WRPDO, you will learn from WRPDO's resilient leadership. This includes some of the ways WRPDO is rising to the challenge of providing vital services; helping people from across East Africa settle in to new living conditions and manage the trauma of crisis. You will also hear key insights on the challenges of successfully delivering this work - in addition to a call to the global humanitarian community.

The conversation also includes an in-depth reflection on HX Kampala held in June,  which had a strong focus on Sudan. Ahead of HX Port Sudan, this September Mona speaks on the outcome of connecting with Innovation Lab in Kampala, saying: "This conference opened our eyes to availability to such kinds of funds and partnerships. On a personal level, my participation was invaluable - I have now connected with fellow global female leaders."

Keywords: Localisation, refugee support, crisis response, humanitarian leadership, ensuring dignity, women led, refugee led, Sudan, Sudan crisis response, humanitarian innovation, capacity strengthening, financial support, sustainable partnerships, education, international humanitarian community, leave no one behind, urban refugees

Speakers: Mona ELShareif Tazorah, Gender Advisor WRPDO | Rayan Salah Mohamed, Programme Coordinator, WRPDO | Amira Timan, Executive Director WRPDO View full profiles and more information here: Protecting dignity - spotlight on Women Refugees for Peace and Development Organisation - Humanitarian Leadership Academy

Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources

The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations.

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What happens when someone who anticipated the sector's funding freezes looks ahead to what's coming next?

💭 "Chaos is part of this ecosystem we are operating, and we've been operating on the edge of that chaos... So it's very important when you are rethinking your models right now you have an opportunity. Please don't waste a serious crisis." - Ali Al Mokdad

In this second instalment of a wide-ranging conversation with the HLA's Ka Man Parkinson, Ali Al Mokdad shifts from personal reflections to strategic analysis. Drawing from his cross-sector research and global networks, Ali shares what he sees on the horizon - economic turbulence, policy vacuums, and fundamental shifts in how humanitarian work may need to evolve.

In this conversation, hear Ali’s take on:

•  What he sees coming next for the sector and why ‘inviting in the chaos’ and designing for disruption is now essential for humanitarian organisations 
• The AI transformation timeline: what might actually change in your day-to-day work 
• Leadership resilience strategies for navigating prolonged uncertainty without burning out

Crucially, Ali offers hope grounded in realism. Building on the authentic leadership reflections from Part 1, this conversation provides both the strategic intelligence and emotional resilience tools that leaders need to navigate whatever comes next.

"Passion alone is not enough. We must have a strategy." Ali Al Mokdad 

Keywords: Humanitarian leadership, strategic planning/scenario planning, humanitarian AI, economic challenges, UN reform, South-South cooperation, policy vacuum, crisis management, organisational transformation, digital transformation, funding challenges, resilience, reputational risks, cyber security, humanitarian innovation.

Visit the episode webpage for speaker bios and shownotes:
www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources/inviting-in-the-chaos-strategic-insights-for-humanitarian-leaders-from-ali-al-mokdad/ 

Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources

The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations.