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How are humanitarians using AI in 2026? Launching the next phase of our research

Ka Man Parkinson sits down with Lucy Hall from the Humanitarian Leadership Academy and Madigan Johnson from Data Friendly Space to discuss the next phase of their groundbreaking humanitarian AI research.

Building on insights from over 2,500 humanitarians across 144 countries and territories in 2025, the team launches a new pulse survey to track shifts in AI adoption across the sector.

Together, they explore the humanitarian AI paradox, reflect on real-world impact from the baseline study, and discuss what they hope to learn – from what is happening with organisational pilots to emerging use cases.

Whether you're already using AI daily or haven't started yet, your voice matters in understanding how the sector is navigating this rapid technological shift.

💬 "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, Data Friendly Space

💬 "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, basically, to channel your voice through." – Lucy Hall, HLA

💬 "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, HLA

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.

Explore the 2025 research outputs - the survey link will be live from Monday 12 January and added to this page!
www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources/report-artificial-intelligence-in-the-humanitarian-sector-mapping-current-practice-and-future-potential-august-2025

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.

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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.

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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.