Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing industries, and its potential in global development is remarkable. Beyond being a buzzword, AI is a dynamic tool that can foster innovation, advance equity, and shape the future of global problem-solving. However, it is crucial to understand both the benefits and potential pitfalls of AI to maximize its value and use it correctly.
In a world that is constantly changing and overwhelmed by information that surpasses human comprehension, AI serves as a force multiplier and a valuable ally. It can analyze massive datasets, identify patterns, and provide insights in a fraction of the time and cost that humans require.
The World Food Programme's SKAI initiative is a compelling example of AI's potential. SKAI has been trained by using satellite imagery from three past disaster events: the 2010 Haiti earthquake, the 2017 Santa Rosa wildfire, and the Syrian conflict in 2016. In each of those training cases, SKAI achieved greater than 80% accuracy in identifying damaged buildings, speeding response, and prioritization. AI's capabilities, such as digitally twinning supply chains, personalized disaster modeling and response, and customer feedback modeling, are transforming disaster management strategies.
About the author
Alexis Bonnell
Alexis Bonnell has delivered aid in over 20 warzones, global disasters, and major transformation projects for the United Nations. At USAID, she co-founded the U.S Global Development Lab and served as the chief innovation officer. She was Google's emerging technology evangelist for public sector. She dedicates her time to helping organizations evolve.
