Published by Humanitarian Leadership Academy
Humanitarian conversations that inform, connect and inspire action.
Listen on Apple PodcastsSend us Fan Mail What does real partnership look like in Sudan? The mutual aid response to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan offers a blueprint for rethinking humanitarian partnerships. Bashair Ahmed , hosts this exploratory conversation with key actors in the Sudan response Safaa Dawoud , Taylor Dudley , and Federico Motka . The discussion analyses how Sudan's ongoing conflict has challenged conventional humanitarian responses and accelerated a shift towards locally led action. Examining how local organisations, mutual aid groups and community volunteers became the first and most effective responders when international agencies were unable to access many parts of Sudan due to insecurity; the conversation delves into more of the following themes: Mutual aid as the backbone of the response : how trusted community networks including Emergency Response Rooms (ERRs), volunteer groups and local organisations were already embedded within communities and could respond immediately while international actors faced significant access constraints. Evolving to genuine partnership : challenging traditional humanitarian funding models and arguing that localisation should mean more than local implementation. Instead, local organisations should have direct access to funding, decision-making authority, flexible financing and long-term relationships with donors. The evolving role of donors : how Vitol Foundation and Center for Disaster Philanthropy deliberately shifted more than 75% of their international humanitarian funding directly to local and national organisations. Lessons from Sudan The panel reflects on several important lessons including that supporting the wider ecosystem including local NGOs, community groups and diaspora networks is essential for sustainable humanitarian responses. Visit the episode webpage for more information: From Policy to Practice: new funding and partnership models across Sudan - Humanitarian Leadership Academy Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations.
Send us Fan Mail "It is in spaces like this we get inspiration, this is where we build networks, this is where we connect to others that ultimately translates to improvement for the lives of others because the networks that we build in these kinds of spaces help us to mobilise resources for instance, or co-create or plan together and it becomes improvement for people on the field or in the communities." - David Habba On July 7 and 8, 2026, over 100 humanitarians from across Nigeria convened for Humanitarian Xchange Abuja. The room included technical experts, community organisations, researchers, local, national and international actors all responding to a broad spectrum of humanitarian crises in Nigeria from Adamawa to Zamfara. "Nigeria, home to one of the world's largest populations, remains at the centre of many of these challenges. Yet it is also home to an extraordinary community of humanitarian actors committed to finding solutions and driving change. That is why HX Abuja is so important. The need for stronger coordination among humanitarian actors has never been greater. No single organisation can address the scale of today's challenges alone. When we coordinate effectively, we reduce duplication, use resources more efficiently, amplify local leadership, and ensure that assistance reaches those who need it most." - Duncan Harvey, Country Director Save the Children Nigeria Some key topics covered at HX Abuja included localisation, access to data, innovation, humanitarian–development–peace Nexus, safety and security, shifting power, capacity sharing, stabilisation and peace, climate-migration nexus, youth leadership, advocacy and finance, accountability, safeguarding and more. In this special episode of Fresh Humanitarian Perspectives, Nwando Okoh HLA Comms and Marketing Lead records live from #HXAbuja in conversation with truly inspiring HX Abuja participants Raquel Kasham Daniel , Maryam Hassan Gambo , Stephen Olushola Oladepo , David Habba , Dr Biobele Davidson , Rukaiya Ibrahim and Philip Ali Yidawi . The 7 share their reflections on the first HX in Nigeria - from the conversations held to the expected impact on the collective response in Nigeria. HX Abuja was organised by Save the Children Nigeria and Humanitarian Leadership Academy with support from Google.org Learn more about the speakers here: https://www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources/reflections-from-hx-abuja/ Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations.
Send us Fan Mail When we talk about co-designing humanitarian AI systems with communities, what does this look like in practice - and what happens when systems fail to address real world humanitarian complexities? The HLA's Ka Man Parkinson sits down with three practitioners who have been an integral part of the HLA/Data Friendly Space humanitarian AI research and convening journey over the past year: Musaab Alhadi, Ali Al Mokdad and Nour Arab. They explore tensions between humanitarian realities and the promise of new systems, while also looking at the exciting potential of AI in transforming humanitarian learning in the area of AI and beyond. Tune in for a candid and honest conversation exploring: People first: Why people, culture and communication must come before any AI system – and experiences of when there's been a disconnect Beyond tech framing: Why ethical AI is a power discussion, not a technology discussion - and the sharp lessons learned from digital transformation the sector cannot afford to ignore The humanitarian stress test: What operational realities in the ground in Sudan, Lebanon and beyond tell us about the limits of AI systems designed far from context Beyond HQ : Why AI literacy for frontline responders and local leaders is critical - and what that means for the localisation agenda Humanitarian AI learning now and in the future: Reflections on the new Ethical AI Kaya microlearning and imagining the future of AI-powered learning Visit the episode webpage for a conversation transcript, speaker bios and links. www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources/keeping-communities-at-the-heart-of-ai-for-humanitarians Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations.
Send us Fan Mail How can humanitarian organisations develop responsible and ethical approaches to AI - during a time of deep funding shortfalls and structural change? During 2025-2026, the HLA and Data Friendly Space have been leading the world's first study to track how humanitarians are using AI. We're sitting down for a mid-year conversation to take stock and discuss what the data and insights point to what is urgently needed next to support responsible AI adoption across the sector. The HLA's Ka Man Parkinson and research co-lead Madigan Johnson from Data Friendly Space catch up to reflect on the second phase of the Humanitarian AI research, and the recent release of a new Ethical AI use and decision-making in humanitarian work Kaya learning module on kayaconnect.org - created with and for humanitarians. Tune in to hear a candid discussion of what the sector picture looks like in 2026 including: Why AI literacy and governance that meets practitioners where they are is critical Beyond the prompt: Why AI literacy is about people, communication and decision-making Why AI preparedness matters - even if you're not planning to use AI How AI literacy and ethical approaches can be explored through a humanitarian lens - including conflict sensitivity and anticipatory action Practical recommendations for individuals and organisations navigating AI decisions Who this conversation is for This episode offers a global perspective on AI adoption trends in 2026 - it is suitable for anyone with an interest in the use of AI in humanitarian work and no technical knowledge is required. It will be of particular interest to leaders and decision makers in the humanitarian and development sector navigating AI adoption decisions as well as to policy makers, funders and donors. It also provides useful sectoral context for technologists and researchers. Visit the episode webpage for speaker bios, links and a conversation transcript: https://www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources/the-humanitarian-ai-paradox-in-2026-a-literacy-and-leadership-challenge Stay tuned! This is the first instalment of a two-part conversation. In the second episode, Ka Man will be joined by Musaab Abdalhadi, Ali Al Mokdad and Nour Arab for powerful conversation exploring some of the tensions between operational realities and the promise of AI systems. Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations.
Send us Fan Mail "The real question is whether the humanitarian system is willing to distribute power fast enough to match that reality. Because ultimately, localisation is not about politics. It's about trust, decision making, resources, recognition, and whether the people closest to the crisis are also closest to the decision shaping of the response." - Julio Simancas, Head of Partnerships and Localisation, Save the Children, Sudan In this episode of Fresh Humanitarian Perspectives, hosted by Musaab Alhadi in conversation with Julio Simancas , we continue the Eyes on Sudan series which focuses on amplifying voices of local humanitarian actors in Sudan. The first episode in the series - At the Table or on the Menu questioned what true participation means to first responders on the ground in Sudan. This episode asks a similar question but to an INGO also responding in Sudan - what does localisation actually mean in practice? Listen to Julio share how Save the Children in Sudan is approaching real localisation. Hear him dissect his personal approach to localisation, what organisational and sector-wide challenges or barriers are and how these are being tackled to achieve a humanitarian system that is fully localised. Learn more about the speakers and the episode here: https://www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources/from-policy-to-practice-how-localisation-really-works-in-sudan/ Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations.
Send us Fan Mail In the face of profound and rapid change, how are humanitarian organisations rethinking communications in 2026? The humanitarian landscape is changing quickly - shaped by AI, funding pressures, and shifting audience expectations, raising critical questions about how organisations communicate, connect, and build trust. In this episode, Amanda Hinkel-Mauceri , Director of Marketing and Communications at Humentum , and Gülsüm Özkaya , International Humanitarian Affairs Coordinator at IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation join the HLA's Ka Man Parkinson for a candid conversation on how communicators adapting to these challenges. Tune in to hear open and honest peer reflections on what’s changing, what’s working, what’s not - and how communications can help shape the sector’s future, including: Reframing communications: What funding pressures, rapid technological developments and changing audience expectations mean for communications. Communications as research: How communicators are generating original knowledge - from AI adoption to the ethics of AI-generated imagery - and how this is informing and shaping practice. AI opportunities and challenges: How AI is reshaping humanitarian communications - and the generational and organisational differences in adoption and readiness. The attention challenge: Navigating a fragmented, algorithm-driven media environment with rising content saturation and 'AI slop'. The human-in-the-loop: Balancing the tension between speed and responsibility, particularly ethical imagery and content creation. For shownotes, speaker bios, episode transcript and links, visit the episode webpage: https://www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources/attention-algorithms-and-ai-how-humanitarian-organisations-are-rethinking-communications-in-2026/ Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations.
Send us Fan Mail كيف يمكن للقادة المحليين تجاوز الحواجز المنظومية لإحداث تغيير إنساني حقيقي؟ "نحن ليس لدينا مشكلة طموح... المشكلة هي بالفرص." – علي المقداد في هذه الحلقة باللغة العربية من بودكاست آفاق إنسانية جديدة ، يستضيف فيصل مسلط، مدير مشروع الاستجابة للأزمات في الأكاديمية الإنسانية للقيادة (HLA)، علي المقداد، القائد الاستراتيجي الأول، في حوار صريح حول معنى القيادة في السياقات الإنسانية المعقدة. كلاهما اخترق الحواجز التي كثيراً ما تحول دون تقدم المواهب المحلية — من الافتراضات التقييدية حول المؤهلات وجوازات السفر والجامعات والجنسية والخلفية، إلى التصورات الضيقة حول من يُعدّ مستعداً للقيادة — وكلاهما خرج بدروس مكتسبة بصعوبة يستحق مشاركتها. من خلال قصص شخصية عن الإحباط والرفض ولحظات الاختراق، يستكشفان ما الذي يتطلبه النمو فعلاً كقائد محلي، ولماذا لا يكفي الشغف وحده أبداً، وكيف يمكن للأفراد والمنظمات أن يكونوا على مستوى أفضل. الصوت باللغة العربية. النصوص متاحة باللغتين العربية والإنجليزية. https://www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources/ ar-the-road-is-not-easy-but-it-is-possible-ليس-الطريق-سهلا-لكنه-ممكن Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations.
Send us Fan Mail How does blockchain and cryptocurrency fit into broader conversations on humanitarian sector reform? Are they a temporary 'fad' - or are there deeper applications and implications worth exploring meaningfully today? When we hear the terms cryptocurrency and blockchain in the humanitarian context, we may consider these as deeply technical and financial domains that may not be relevant to those beyond the field of cash and voucher assistance (CVA). Today's podcast guests make the case that when we talk about who can see where money is going - and who can't - we're not just having a technology conversation: it is a critical protection issue that the sector cannot afford to ignore. Alex Bornstein and Natalie Eskinazi from the Zcash Foundation came to this field through a motivation to tackle longstanding challenges facing the sector. In conversation with Ka Man Parkinson , Alex and Natalie set out their optimistic yet grounded and candid vision for these technologies and their potential role in humanitarian sectoral reform and change. Tune in to this accessible conversation to hear: "Innovation theatre": why pilots aren't becoming programmes, and what needs to change Who needs to be in the room: the case for democratising this conversation across roles, organisations and more Key concepts demystified: a breakdown of key concepts, from distributed ledgers to zero-knowledge proofs Why financial privacy is a 'do no harm' issue - and what visibility costs the people that humanitarians are here to serve Real applications for the sector, including cash and voucher assistance, treasury management, localisation, and more Visit the episode webpage for speaker bios, transcript, and links to resources: https://www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources/privacy-as-protection-rethinking-blockchain-cryptocurrency-and-humanitarian-sector-reform/ Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations.
Send us Fan Mail "This humanitarian reset will fail if young people are not involved in the conversations" - Abdulrazak Abubakar, Co-Founder of Kaleri Youth Group Nigeria In this special segment of the podcast, Amouki Kaayou , Jocelyn Keller , Judy Mwangoma and Pure Esumei - young professionals attending and volunteering with the UNOCHA HNPW Secretariat for this year's Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Weeks HNPW shared their perspectives on the humanitarian reset with Nwabundo Okoh , HLA Communications and Marketing Lead. HNPW is the world’s largest annual gathering dedicated to humanitarian networks and partnerships. This year focused on 'The Humanitarian Reset' with over 300 sessions covering a range of relevant topics including locally-led crisis response, technological innovation, youth leadership and more. Find more information here: True Youth Involvement and the Humanitarian Reset - Humanitarian Leadership Academy Keywords : Localisation, Youth Leadership, Youth engagement, Humanitarian Reset, Humanitarian Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations.
Send us Fan Mail Tracking trends in artificial intelligence adoption across the humanitarian sector through a new pulse survey To mark the launch of the January 2026 pulse survey , Ka Man Parkinson and Lucy Hall from the Humanitarian Leadership Academy, and Madigan Johnson from Data Friendly Space discuss this next phase of their groundbreaking humanitarian AI research. Building on insights from their foundational 2025 study with responses from over 2,500 humanitarians across 144 countries and territories, the team is launching a short survey to track any shifts in key areas of AI adoption across the sector in 2026. In this conversation, they reflect on the 'humanitarian AI paradox' that was revealed in the baseline study as well as real-world impact of the research to date. They share what they hope to learn in this next phase of research – from what is happening with organisational pilots to emerging use cases. Tune in to learn about how your participation in the new 5-minute pulse survey - open between 12-31 January 2026 – can help the sector understand and navigate AI adoption during this period of unprecedented change. 💬 "What really struck me from our research last year is what we termed the humanitarian AI paradox – 93% of humanitarians use AI tools, with about 70% using AI daily or weekly, but only 8% actually work in organisations where AI is widely integrated." – Madigan Johnson 💬 "A survey can have this real-world impact that's grounded in evidence. If we can be of service to the sector with everyone's help by filling in the survey, just think what can happen – this really motivates us in our mission to support locally-led humanitarian action." – Ka Man Parkinson 💬 "This is a space where real stories, real evidence is really shaping an emerging sector. It's your voice that matters, we're the vessel to channel your voice through." – Lucy Hall Visit the episode webpage for the survey link, show notes including episode transcript, speaker bios and links. The survey will be open between 12-31 January 2026 with insights shared from February. www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources/how-are-humanitarians-using-ai-in-2026-launching-the-next-phase-of-our-research Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations.
Send us Fan Mail How can solidarity transform humanitarian leadership to truly centre communities? In this candid leadership-focused conversation, Marina Kobzeva speaks with Ka Man Parkinson about the humanitarian sector at a critical juncture - and the unlearning, reflection and change required of all of us. Drawing on her lived experience and two decades as a humanitarian leader, Marina explores how the system "projectises" crisis, and why the most effective response is often led by communities themselves outside formal humanitarian structures. Through powerful personal storytelling - from unnecessary chlorine tablets in aid packages to a small act of kindness that transcends conflict and division - Marina illustrates what solidarity looks like when stripped of bureaucracy. This is a conversation about unlearning, transformation, and the raw power of human connection. Visit the episode webpage for speaker bios, conversation transcript and links: www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources/humanity-dignity-agency-a-call-for-shifts-in-humanitarian-leadership-in-conversation-with-marina-kobzeva Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations.
Send us Fan Mail How can humanitarian organisations bridge the AI readiness gap through critical thinking and localised approaches? Humanitarian organisations face a critical challenge: while individual staff members are racing ahead with AI experimentation in their daily work. According to new research from NetHope, only around 9% of nonprofit organisations report being fully ready for systematic AI adoption. This gap between individual curiosity and institutional preparedness isn't just about access to tools - it's about building the right competencies to use AI responsibly and effectively. In this episode, guest host Madigan Johnson from Data Friendly Space speaks with Meheret Takele Mandefro , Business Analyst at NetHope's Centre for the Digital Nonprofit. Drawing from her powerful journey - from witnessing educational inequality in rural Ethiopia to experiencing digital isolation during conflict - Meheret brings a unique perspective on what AI literacy truly means for the humanitarian sector. Drawing from NetHope's AI Readiness Benchmark research, Meheret reveals the challenge isn't technological - it's human, strategic, and deeply contextual. Tune in for a practical, grounded conversation exploring: Why AI literacy must go beyond technical skills: The often-overlooked competencies of critical thinking, ethical decision-making, cultural intelligence, and change leadership The critical role of culturally sensitive, localised approaches: How AI can complement rather than replace traditional knowledge systems and indigenous wisdom Balancing urgency with competency development: Dual-track approaches that deploy safe AI tools for immediate needs whilst building long-term skills through iterative practice How blended learning ecosystems truly work: Integrating formal training with peer-to-peer learning, working groups, and real-world case studies Plus, practical guidance: How smaller organisations can begin their AI literacy journey and why the sector needs to think critically about whether, when, and how to adopt AI Visit the episode webpage for show notes including speaker bios and full transcript: www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources/humanitarian-ai-podcast-series-developing-ai-literacy-a-matter-of-trust-critical-thinking-and-localisation Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations.
Send us Fan Mail Questioning visuals in humanitarian communications and fundraising in light of localisation and AI. The use of images is crucial in the way we communicate especially in the humanitarian sector where an image is truly "worth a thousand words", many emotions, conversations and storage for historic information. In this episode Deborah Adesina (Debby) , Doctoral Scholar at the University of Liverpool and David Girling , Associate Professor at the University of East Anglia, UK both co-leads of the Charity Advertising Research Series hold a light-hearted yet thought-provoking conversation on the use of generative AI images as an option for humanitarian campaigns. Nwabundo Okoh , Comms and Marketing Lead at the HLA approaches the conversation through the lens of David and Debby's in-depth research pieces and follow-up articles on the analysis of UK charity visual communications in direct mail campaigns and the analysis of charity advertising supporting international causes in UK national newspapers. Asking how/if generative AI images might be considered now or in the future. Debbie quoting Susan Sontag says that “the problem isn’t that people remember through photographs but they remember only the photographs” Listen now to hear David and Debbie's fresh perspectives on findings from their research; why knowing your 'why' is so important; how humanitarians can consider navigating the use of AI for images, what to be aware of and more Keywords : Localisation, Ethical storytelling, International development, Poverty, Fundraising, Humanitarian communication, Photography, AI, Education, Co-creation, Authenticity Speakers: David Girling, Associate Professor, School of Global Development - University of East Anglia, UK | Deborah Adesina, Doctoral Scholar, University of Liverpool | Read their full profiles and find more information here: To AI or not to AI: a humanitarian comms conversation - Humanitarian Leadership Academy Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations.
Send us Fan Mail How can experimentation and collaboration bridge the gap between humanitarian AI aspirations and reality? Our recent AI research conducted in partnership with Data Friendly Space highlighted infrastructural constraints and risk tolerance as major barriers to AI adoption. In this fifth instalment of our six-part Humanitarian AI podcast series, we explore how Rwanda's innovation ecosystem offers practical lessons for the humanitarian sector. We're delighted to welcome Deogratius Kiggudde , Programme Manager for The Upanzi Network at Carnegie Mellon University Africa in Kigali. Deogratius sits down with Ka Man Parkinson and shares his experiences of working with open-source community-centred tech and AI in Rwanda's innovation ecosystem and beyond. Tune in for a practical, grounded conversation on AI implementation, including: Deogratius’ experience of working within Rwanda's experimentation culture The potential of small language models for humanitarian AI The power of community-driven open-source tech Insight into real-world connectivity solutions Plus, Deogratius answers community questions. Visit the episode webpage for shownotes including speaker bios, episode transcript and supporting links: https://www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources/humanitarian-ai-podcast-series-localising-ai-solutions-practitioner-experiences-from-rwanda Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations.
Send us Fan Mail How can indigenous knowledge systems and African philosophy reshape how we build and deploy AI for humanitarian work? Our research surfaced ethical and cultural concerns from humanitarians worldwide, particularly around the ownership and suitability of AI systems developed elsewhere for localised humanitarian action. How can communities shape AI rather than simply receive it? In the fourth instalment of our six-part Humanitarian AI podcast series, Wakanyi Hoffman, Head of Research on Sustainable African AI Innovation at the Inclusive AI Lab, Utrecht University, speaks to Ka Man Parkinson about building inclusive, contextualised AI through Ubuntu philosophy and community wisdom. In this conversation, Wakanyi explores: Ubuntu and the "right to relate" framework - rethinking AI ethics beyond individual rights How recognising ourselves as storytellers and "data workers" reclaims power in AI development Small language models as sustainable, community-led alternatives to large corporate systems Designing AI for retirement, not permanence - an indigenous approach to technology Community questions on digital divides, cultural representation, human rights and authentic amplification Visit the episode webpage for shownotes including speaker bios, episode transcript and supporting links: www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources/building-inclusive-ai-indigenous-knowledge-frameworks-from-kenya-and-beyond Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations.
Send us Fan Mail How can humanitarians engage responsibly with AI tools without clear governance frameworks? Only one in five humanitarian organisations have formal AI policies despite widespread usage - creating a "governance vacuum." How can organisations develop robust AI governance when operating across diverse regulatory environments whilst AI regulation is still emerging? In the third instalment of our six-part Humanitarian AI podcast series, Timi Olagunju speaks to Ka Man Parkinson to discuss how humanitarian organisations can close this governance gap. Timi Olagunju is a lawyer specialising in tech policy and AI governance, working at the intersection of law, technology, and development. He offers insights into the regulatory landscape affecting humanitarian AI adoption across Africa and globally. In this conversation, Timi examines: Why AI literacy is the cornerstone of governance - not an afterthought How fragmented regulatory environments in Africa can create 'procurement paralysis' Four principles for responsible AI deployment Practical guidance on data protection - treating data like cash Community questions on AI transparency, data protection challenges, regulatory gaps, and safeguarding strategies Visit the episode webpage for shownotes including speaker bios, episode transcript and supporting links: www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources/humanitarian-ai-podcast-series-addressing-governance-gaps-perspectives-from-nigeria-and-beyond Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations.
Send us Fan Mail How can humanitarian organisations bridge the gap between individual AI experimentation and organisational adoption? In this second instalment of our six-part humanitarian AI podcast series, Ka Man Parkinson sits down with Michael Tjalve to explore how organisations can move from experimentation to the deployment of ethical, fit-for-purpose AI solutions - if an organisation decides that this is the right pathway for them. Michael brings over two decades of expertise working at the intersection of technology, social impact and humanitarian action. As founder of Humanitarian AI Advisory, co-founder of the RootsAI Foundation, and former Chief AI Architect at Microsoft Philanthropies, and with roles in academia and the UN, he offers insider perspectives on these challenges. In this deep dive conversation, Michael discusses implementation barriers, practical steps and possibilities, including: Why AI policy development should be every organisation's first step Looking beyond ChatGPT and large language models for contextualised humanitarian solutions Language barriers and broadening AI access Community Q&A Visit the episode webpage for shownotes including speaker bios, episode transcript and supporting links: https://www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources/humanitarian-ai-podcast-series-bridging-implementation-gaps-from-ai-literacy-to-localisation Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations.
Send us Fan Mail The humanitarian community conversation on AI continues. Tune into a companion episode where the team respond to community questions raised at the August 2025 online launch event of the report ' How are humanitarians using AI in 2025? Mapping current practice and future potential ' from the Humanitarian Leadership Academy and Data Friendly Space. The research team Lucy Hall and Ka Man Parkinson from the HLA and Madigan Johnson from DFS answer audience questions covering specific report-focused queries as well as broader questions around the application of AI by humanitarians. This is a companion content to the podcast episode featuring the research team: How are humanitarians using AI: reflections on our community-centred research approach. Visit the podcast webpage for speaker bios, links and a conversation transcript: www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources/how-are-humanitarians-using-ai-reflections-on-our-community-centred-research-approach Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations.
Send us Fan Mail How can artificial intelligence research be designed with community engagement at heart? When a simple LinkedIn poll asking humanitarians how often they use AI was scaled into a global survey attracting 2,500+ responses, it revealed something unexpected: practitioners are hungry to discuss AI adoption but lack the community space to air views and experiences. The team behind the first systematic study of AI use in humanitarian work reveal how they turned organic community engagement into global research. Lucy Hall and Ka Man Parkinson (Humanitarian Leadership Academy), together with Madigan Johnson (Data Friendly Space) discuss and reflect on their campaign approach to rapid, community-driven research - balancing speed with rigour when evidence is urgently needed. What you'll hear: Candid reflections on their research approach and lessons learned Why they had to shelve planned video content How cross-organisational collaboration can work during major sectoral shifts Who should tune in: humanitarian researchers, MEAL professionals, communications specialists, technologists, and anyone interested in community-led research with Global South focus. Visit the episode webpage for speaker bios, transcripts, and links to the report and resources: https://www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources/how-are-humanitarians-using-ai-reflections-on-our-community-centred-research-approach Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations.
Send us Fan Mail “Do not look at refugees solely as vulnerable people in need of aid. Recognise them as skilled capable and resilient individuals who have been displaced by the conflict. We believe that refugees should be seen as partners not just as beneficiaries and that’s what Women Refugees for Peace and Development are currently doing.” – Amira Some call it the 'forgotten crisis' but since April 2023, conflict in Sudan has led to a severe humanitarian disaster, with many fatalities and millions including children displaced. Mona Elshareif Tazorah , Amira Timan and Rayan Salah from Sudan – now live and work in Uganda and in this podcast episode remind us that even if the world forgets you, you must never forget yourself. Our three speakers from Women Refugees for Peace and Development Organisation (WRPDO) have taken the lead on ensuring that people who arrive Entebbe and Wakiso municipality seeking refuge in Uganda in 2025 do not face the same challenges they faced when they too arrived in Uganda to seek refuge. In this episode which shines the spotlight on the work of WRPDO, you will learn from WRPDO's resilient leadership. This includes some of the ways WRPDO is rising to the challenge of providing vital services; helping people from across East Africa settle in to new living conditions and manage the trauma of crisis. You will also hear key insights on the challenges of successfully delivering this work - in addition to a call to the global humanitarian community. The conversation also includes an in-depth reflection on HX Kampala held in June, which had a strong focus on Sudan. Ahead of HX Port Sudan, this September Mona speaks on the outcome of connecting with Innovation Lab in Kampala, saying: "This conference opened our eyes to availability to such kinds of funds and partnerships. On a personal level, my participation was invaluable - I have now connected with fellow global female leaders." Keywords : Localisation, refugee support, crisis response, humanitarian leadership, ensuring dignity, women led, refugee led, Sudan, Sudan crisis response, humanitarian innovation, capacity strengthening, financial support, sustainable partnerships, education, international humanitarian community, leave no one behind, urban refugees Speakers: Mona ELShareif Tazorah, Gender Advisor WRPDO | Rayan Salah Mohamed, Programme Coordinator, WRPDO | Amira Timan, Executive Director WRPDO View full profiles and more information here: Protecting dignity - spotlight on Women Refugees for Peace and Development Organisation - Humanitarian Leadership Academy Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations.