Workshop

AI agents in humanitarian action: exploring new frontiers

Examining the potential role of AI agents in humanitarian, peacekeeping and development contexts.

Time
- America/New York
Register

In an increasingly complex global landscape, we face unprecedented challenges requiring innovative solutions. This hybrid workshop introduced participants to the emerging field of AI agents – sophisticated digital replicas that can simulate human perspectives and behaviors. It did so through three key use cases:

  • Agent-based surveys that enable rapid data collection in high-risk environments
  • Diplomatic simulations with realistic stakeholder replicas for enhanced negotiation preparation
  • Community dialogue simulations that surface diverse perspectives and facilitate policy testing.

Through the case study report, "Ask Amina" and "Ask Abdalla" – experimental agents representing a refugee in Chad and a combatant in Sudan – participants gained insights into how these technologies might transform field operations while navigating complex ethical terrain. The workshop addressed critical questions about representation, power dynamics and data rights. Participants:

  • Gained understanding of the technical foundations of agents and their potential applications
  • Participated in interactive demonstrations exploring agent capabilities
  • Engaged in discussions about ethical implementation
  • Discussed frameworks for transparent, accountable and inclusive adoption
  • Networked with peers navigating similar technological frontiers.

As international organizations seek innovative approaches to complex challenges, this workshop offered a timely exploration of AI agents as potential tools for amplifying marginalized voices, enhancing operational effectiveness and improving decision-making in humanitarian contexts.

Speakers engaged in critical examination of the technologies under discussion. Their participation should not be interpreted as endorsement of these technologies, but rather as contributing to a scholarly discourse that evaluates potential implications, limitations and considerations from multiple perspectives that are essential for responsible advancement in the field.

Register your interest in attending in-person here.

Register to attend online here.

Speakers

Liselott Hitz

Humanitarian professional, formerly Doctors Without Borders and Hand in Hand International

Joseph Aylett-Bullock

Data Scientist and Researcher, United Nations Department of Peace Operations

Col. Matt Dawson

Army War College Fellow, Saltzman Institute of War & Peace Studies, Columbia University

Shouryadipta Sarkar

Data Product Manager at United Nations Development Programme

Sun-joo Lee

Data Science Specialist at United Nations Development Programme

Vanessa Stair

Partnerships Manager, Government and Social Impact at Meta; formerly Doctors Without Borders

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