This project is now closed.
We’re committed to supporting the responsible and effective integration of emerging technologies into humanitarian programming. Through structured foresight, we have strived to better understand how affected communities perceive new technologies and ensure our communications represent their perspectives.
We worked with CLEAR Global [LR1] to design and pilot participatory, community-centred approaches to technology development in humanitarian contexts. Together, we focused on creating ethical, responsive, and culturally informed solutions. By engaging a diverse range of stakeholders - including crisis-affected communities, humanitarian practitioners, and technology developers - our initiative ensured that emerging technologies were shaped by the people they impact most.
Key outputs
This initiative produced a suite of high-quality outputs, including:
- A Stakeholder analysis
- Participatory workshops
- Methodology development
- A practical toolkit and promotional materials
To guide this work, CLEAR Global implemented a robust, inclusive process that comprised:
- A comprehensive desk review of existing literature on emerging technology in humanitarian contexts.
- Key informant interviews with humanitarian practitioners from diverse settings.
- In-person workshops and focus group discussions with women in rural and urban areas of Nigeria.
- The creation of a toolkit to help agencies contextualise and communicate about emerging technologies across various crises.
Empowering women
Women’s experiences and consent were at the heart of this study. By engaging female community leaders in participatory workshops and focus group discussions, we aimed to explore their unique perspectives and those of their wider communities. This approach highlights how humanitarian agencies can implement technology in ways that respect and empower women and their families.
Practical resources for humanitarians
The outcomes of this research have beenhuman-centred synthesized into accessible tools and a Playbook based on human-centered design principles. These resources supported humanitarian organisations in fostering meaningful dialogue with crisis-affected populations about technology preferences and consent.
By leveraging scientific advancements and fostering innovation, we can enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of humanitarian aid. However, these technological solutions needed to be developed with a deep understanding of local contexts, ethical considerations, and the needs of the most vulnerable populations.
Our partnership with CLEAR Global marked a significant step toward a more innovative and responsive humanitarian sector. Together, we combined rigorous research, stakeholder engagement, and practical tool development to pave the way for a future where technology truly supports those who need it most - while honouring their dignity, autonomy, and voices.