Abu Dhabi, UAE – Sajida Schawa, Head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), confirmed that approximately 300 million people worldwide currently require humanitarian assistance. She emphasized the importance of utilizing technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to strengthen proactive humanitarian efforts and predict crises and disasters before they occur.
Rising Global Humanitarian Needs
These remarks were made during an international dialogue session on developing humanitarian work using modern technologies amidst increasing global challenges. Schawa explained that the “Global Humanitarian Overview” report reflects a continuous rise in humanitarian needs, while humanitarian actors face multiple obstacles, including funding gaps, restricted access to affected areas, and risks to aid workers. She asserted that these challenges require innovative, technology-driven solutions to enhance response efficiency.
AI at the Service of Humanitarian Work
The OCHA head noted that participants discussed mechanisms for utilizing AI, innovation, and unconventional thinking to predict humanitarian needs. Modern technologies can significantly improve the effectiveness of aid delivery, allowing organizations to respond more rapidly and precisely when crises strike.
- Data analysis: Processing massive amounts of information to identify the areas most at risk.
- Improved response: Enabling organizations to reach those affected more accurately and quickly.
- Alleviating suffering: Reducing the impact of disasters and conflicts through proactive action before situations worsen.
Praise for the Partnership with the UAE
Schawa lauded the growing partnership between OCHA and the UAE, stating that the collaboration has transcended the traditional donor-organization relationship. It has become a model based on shared thinking and seeking innovative solutions to global humanitarian challenges. She reaffirmed that preserving human dignity remains the core objective of all humanitarian efforts, and that improved prediction and response mechanisms are vital to supporting those affected by conflicts and disasters.
