TRENDS explores the role of scientific research and technology in predicting and responding to humanitarian crises
2 May 2025 15:28
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)TRENDS Research & Advisory participated in the 21st edition of the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition (DIHAD) 2025, held from April 29 to May 1 at the Dubai World Trade Centre under the theme "Humanitarian Aid and Development in a Polarised World".Abdulaziz Al-Shehhi, Senior Researcher and Deputy Head of the Research Sector at TRENDS Research & Advisory, participated in a panel discussion titled "The Role of Research and Technology in Predicting and Responding to Humanitarian Crises".He stated that humanitarian crises represent an increasingly critical global challenge, arising from various factors including natural disasters, armed conflicts, epidemics, and displacement. These crises lead to widespread suffering, loss of lives, destruction of infrastructure, and a significant hindrance to sustainable development.Al-Shehhi noted that given the limitations of available resources and the growing scale and complexity of these crises, the search for innovative and effective solutions for humanitarian assistance has become essential. In this context, AI has emerged as a transformative technology with the potential to revolutionise multiple sectors. He emphasised that it is now difficult to identify any field that does not, in one way or another, integrate AI into its systems, including the humanitarian aid sector.
Anticipating Future Challenges Al-Shehhi noted that while traditional strategies for dealing with humanitarian crises do exist, and the international community has built substantial expertise in this field over decades at both the national and organisational levels, technology, particularly AI, has proven its ability to significantly enhance crisis response. Through AI, crisis management professionals can better anticipate future challenges, analyse big data, and distribute aid with greater precision and efficiency.He explained that with the continuous advancement of AI technologies, this field is expected to play an increasingly vital role in improving humanitarian response to crises and disasters. Among the most promising applications of AI in humanitarian settings is the enhancement of crisis prediction capabilities. By developing more sophisticated algorithms capable of real-time data analysis, it becomes possible to improve the accuracy of predicting natural disasters and humanitarian conflicts, enabling more efficient and timely early responses.
Enhancing Supply Chains
Al-Shehhi explained that the use of robots and drones can be expanded in search and rescue operations and in delivering aid to hard-to-reach areas, contributing to reduced risks for humanitarian workers. He also highlighted the development of AI systems capable of adapting to complex and rapidly changing environments during crises, supporting faster, more accurate decision-making based on real-time data.
He added that AI plays a crucial role in improving inventory management, supply chains, and the distribution of food and medical aid. By leveraging AI-driven analysis, humanitarian operations can ensure that assistance reaches the most vulnerable populations more efficiently and effectively.
Rapid Innovative Solutions Al-Shehhi concluded by emphasising that AI is a pivotal tool in enhancing humanitarian crisis response, as it enables rapid and innovative solutions through data analysis, crisis prediction, and the efficient distribution of aid. However, he noted that achieving success in this area requires overcoming both technical and ethical challenges to ensure fairness and effectiveness in humanitarian aid. He stressed that in order to strengthen the use of AI in crisis response, it is essential for governments to foster collaboration between the public and private sectors, increase investment in research and development, and establish regulatory legal frameworks that govern the use of AI in the humanitarian field.
Dedicated Knowledge Pavilion TRENDS Research & Advisory had a dedicated knowledge pavilion (N12) at the exhibition held alongside the conference, showcasing a wide range of books and studies. Publications focused on advanced technologies and AI attracted significant interest from specialists and humanitarian professionals.Visitors also expressed strong appreciation for TRENDS' studies addressing critical topics such as human security, climate change, migration, armed conflicts, and pandemics, praising the depth of their content, analytical rigour, and insightful outlook on the future of humanitarian challenges.
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