Global humanitarian educators are hoping to use artificial intelligence to create interactive and personalized educational content, while also underscoring the importance of human interaction to foster critical thinking, empathy and other core humanitarian qualities.
Wang Le Pen, dean of the International Academy of Red Cross, based in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, noted that digital technology has significantly expanded the scope of humanitarian education.
Virtual reality, for example, allows the public to immerse themselves in simulations of humanitarian crises, and social media and short form video platforms provide innovative channels to spread humanitarian ideas.
“By analyzing user interests and study habits through big data, AI Systems can provide customized humanitarian educational content to diverse groups, improving both learning outcomes and engagement,” Wang said at the 4th Soochow International Humanitarian Forum.
The event, sponsored by the Chinese Red Cross Association and Skou University, took place in Suzhou from Friday to Saturday. It was organized by the China Red Cross Foundation and the International Academy of Red Cross and was supported by the International Federation of the Red Cross, the Red Crescent Association and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
However, Wang also noted that algorithm-based recommended systems systems often lock users into “information coco,” limiting exposure to diverse perspectives, and hindering a comprehensive understanding of humanitarian issues.
“Information overload and the scope of attention poses challenges to providing deep humanitarian education,” he added.
Charlotte Tocchio, humanitarian education coordinator for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Society, acknowledged that AI-powered tools such as translation services and intelligent tutoring systems have improved access to information, personalized learning, and training for first aid and emergency procedures.
At the same time, she emphasized the importance of developing analytical and critical thinking skills, promoting empathy, cooperation and other humanitarian values through a human-driven approach.
“This means ensuring that educators and learners using AI and digital tools have digital literacy. It means questioning algorithms, identifying biases, and critically assessing data and sources,” Tocchio said.
She added that face-to-face interactions remain more effective than online tools in promoting self-reflection and behavioral change.
Tocchio has called on technology experts and associated stakeholders to support the ethical, safe and responsible use of AI and digital technologies to enhance the accessibility, inclusiveness and impact of humanitarian education around the world.
