Artificial Intelligence for Humanitarian Response
Course Overview
Target Audience: Humanitarian workers, communication officers, policy advisors, and NGO leaders in the MENA & Levant region.
Objective Equip participants with the skills to leverage AI for faster crisis response, effective public communication, and advocacy while maintaining ethical and cultural sensitivity.
Bio
Dr. Sally Hammoud is a leading AI strategist, communication expert, and seasoned trainer with over two decades of experience bridging technology, media, and social impact. She has delivered high-impact training programs across the MENA region, empowering NGOs, humanitarian agencies, and policy institutions to integrate artificial intelligence into their operations, communication strategies, and crisis response systems.
With a Ph.D. in Communication & Media Studies focused on AI’s role in digital reputation, Dr. Hammoud has worked extensively with international organizations, civil society actors, and academic institutions to address pressing regional challenges—ranging from disinformation management in conflict zones to AI-powered advocacy for refugee and community resilience programs. Her NGO portfolio spans projects in Lebanon, the Levant, and the GCC, where she has advised and trained teams on ethical AI adoption, data governance, and technology-enabled humanitarian outreach.
Renowned for her dynamic and practical approach, Dr. Hammoud combines strategic vision with hands-on expertise, equipping participants with the tools and mindsets needed to harness AI responsibly in fragile and high-stakes environments. Her work reflects a deep commitment to advancing humanitarian principles while driving innovation that serves communities across the Arab world.
Outline
Day 1: AI Foundations & Humanitarian Crisis Response
Understanding AI in Humanitarian Action
- Overview of AI applications in emergencies and relief work.
- MENA & Levant-specific trends and challenges.
Ethics, Governance & Humanitarian Principles
- Bias prevention, cultural sensitivity, and safeguarding vulnerable communities.
- Data privacy and responsible AI in conflict zones.
AI for Crisis Detection & Needs Assessment
- Forecasting displacement, food shortages, or disease outbreaks.
- Case studies from Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen.
Damage & Needs Assessment with AI
- Using computer vision for real-time disaster mapping.
- Open-source tools for rapid response coordination.
Day 2: AI for Humanitarian Communication & Advocacy
Fighting Disinformation and Amplifying Voices
- AI-Driven Crisis Communication
- Real-time multilingual chatbots for affected communities.
- Social listening to adapt messaging to rapidly changing realities.
Countering Misinformation & Disinformation
- AI-powered fact-checking and verification during conflicts.
- Detecting deepfakes and manipulated media.
Countering Misinformation & Disinformation
- Turning complex crisis data into compelling narratives.
- AI-assisted visuals, translation, and inclusive content creation.
Building an AI-Powered Advocacy Campaign
- Participants design a campaign using AI tools for data analysis, audience targeting, and visual storytelling.
- Presentation & peer feedback session.
