Generative AI has been in the mainstream since November 2022, but at this point, we see that AI adoption in humanitarian organizations is being driven primarily by austerity rather than ambition - a coping mechanism for doing more with less, rather than a deliberate strategic choice. Staff are experimenting with AI tools, often informally and ahead of institutional guidance, while organizations struggle to translate that experimentation into governed, scalable, and equitable practice. Governance frameworks are consolidating but unevenly; corporate technology partnerships are filling capacity gaps while creating dependency risks; and the efficiencies being realized remain largely personal rather than institutional. The sector is adapting to AI; it has not yet adopted it strategically.
Elrha and NetHope have partnered in the Advance Responsible AI Adoption project to explore what is needed to deliver impact and operational efficiency at scale through AI. This work connects directly to our AI Lighthouse initiative. Through a scoping study conducted with the Civic Machines Lab at TUM Think Tank, we have explored which sector-wide, practitioner-oriented enabling mechanisms are needed to support the responsible, effective, and equitable adoption of AI across humanitarian organizations (access the study here). In this panel, we bring these findings together to explore existing gaps in capacity and governance, and discuss what is needed to close them.
Audience members will:
Daniela Weber, Director, NetHope Center for the Digital Nonprofit, NetHope: Daniela Weber is the Director of NetHope’s Center for the Digital Nonprofit where she researches emerging technologies and trends and their relevance for the nonprofit sector, and supports nonprofits in their digital transformation through assessments, tools, and consultations.
Dan Amias, HIF Senior Innovation Learning Adviser, Elrha: Dan joined Elrha in early 2024 as a Senior Innovation Learning Adviser, focusing on AI innovations and developing grantees' skills and capabilities. He is also leading on the organisation of Elrha’s landmark Innovation Forum. Previously, Dan was a Product Manager in ed-tech, enhancing AI solutions in LMICs, and contributed to urban solutions in LMIC contexts at a think tank. He has also worked at a humanitarian NGO focused on locally-led solutions. Fluent in four languages and with international experience, Dan holds a MA in International Development and a BA in Economics. Dan is passionate about leveraging technology to develop sustainable, impactful solutions tailored to local needs.
Elizabeth Shaughnessy, Director of Digital Programming, NetHope: Elizabeth Shaughnessy is the Director of Digital Programming at NetHope, where she leads programs on connectivity, digital transformation, and responsible AI adoption, including authoring the Humanitarian AI Code of Conduct. With over 10 years working at the intersection of technology and human rights, her expertise spans policy and governance, risk and regulatory compliance, and technology in high-risk environments. She previously led digital technology and data privacy programs at Oxfam and has advised the nonprofit and public sectors on emerging technology issues.
Fernanda Sauca, Lab Manager, Civic Machines Lab, TUM: Fernanda is a Lab Manager at the TUM Think Tank, where she oversees the Content Moderation Lab and Civic Machines Lab, and supports the AI4POL project. With a background in Political Science and a specialization in Politics and Technology, she is committed to translating research into practical insights and fostering collaboration across academia, government, industry, and civil society.
