As humanitarian organizations increasingly turn to artificial intelligence (AI) to prepare for crises and more effectively deliver aid, a significant contribution from the Luxembourg government will help the International Organization for Migration (IOM) promote the responsible use of AI and enable better-informed decision-making for people affected by crises.
The contribution, announced today at a ceremony hosted by IOM and the Mission of Luxembourg to the United Nations in Geneva, will support the “Advancing the Responsible Use of AI in Humanitarian Work” initiative, promote the safe, ethical and effective use of AI across the humanitarian sector, and accelerate progress on global efforts related to AI under the Humanitarian Reset.
“AI has the potential to transform humanitarian operations, helping to predict crises, enhance decision-making and reach people faster,” said Ugochi Daniels, IOM’s Deputy Director-General for Operations. “But innovation must never come at the expense of humanitarian principles. Responsible AI requires clear standards, strong oversight, and a determined commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of the people we serve.”
As humanitarian needs continue to outstrip available resources, organizations are turning to AI to improve how they anticipate, prepare for, and respond to crises. When used responsibly, AI can strengthen early warning systems, improve operational planning, and help humanitarian workers reach more people with limited resources.
As AI becomes more widely integrated into humanitarian operations, it is essential to ensure its responsible use. Without appropriate safeguards, AI systems can pose significant risks, from cybersecurity threats and algorithmic bias to privacy concerns and potential violations of humanitarian principles.
As a core element of this project, IOM and UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) are convening a time-bound AI Task Force under the auspices of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee. The task force, which brings together UN agencies, NGOs, and the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, is developing a system-wide operational framework to help humanitarian organizations use AI responsibly.
The initiative will also develop practical AI solutions to enhance humanitarian operations. This includes improved early warning systems to help organizations better predict and act in advance of crises, as well as advanced analytics to predict various shocks.
This project will further improve data interoperability, allowing humanitarian organizations to more effectively share, combine and analyze information. Improved data sharing increases coordination, improves operational decision-making, and enables organizations to learn from each other’s experiences.
The strategic partnership between Luxembourg and IOM also includes collaboration with the Luxembourg Institute for Science and Technology (LIST), the Luxembourg University Institute for Digital Ethics (ULIDE), and partners across the humanitarian system working towards the common goal of responsible AI.
Luxembourg’s significant investments reflect the country’s leadership in digital innovation, responsible technology and multilateral cooperation. Beyond supporting AI-powered humanitarian solutions, this partnership will contribute to the broader digital transformation of the humanitarian sector.
/Open to the public. This material from the original organization/author may be of a contemporary nature and has been edited for clarity, style, and length. Mirage.News does not take any institutional position or position, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are those of the authors alone. Read the full text here.
