In a world increasingly defined by the interplay of crisis and technology, the question of how best to serve humanity has never been more urgent. Humanitarian organizations, confronted by conflicts, natural disasters, and enduring poverty, are under immense pressure to deliver aid efficiently, equitably, and at scale. Enter the promise—and the challenge—of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). As these digital tools mature, they are transforming not just the mechanics but the very philosophy of humanitarian service delivery.
The humanitarian sector has long been characterized by logistical complexity and resource constraints. From tracking displaced populations to coordinating supply chains in real time, the work demands agility and precision. Historically, the process has been labour-intensive, prone to bottlenecks, and vulnerable to errors that can cost lives. Yet today, the convergence of AI and DPI offers the prospect of a paradigm shift, one that could democratise access to aid, improve outcomes, and restore dignity to those most in need.
At the heart of this transformation is the ability of AI to process and analyse vast quantities of data at breathtaking speed. For aid agencies, this means the possibility of real-time mapping of needs and resources, nuanced understanding of evolving crises, and smarter allocation of scarce supplies. Take, for instance, the use of AI-powered satellite imagery to track floods or droughts as they unfold. These technologies can identify impacted areas, estimate the scale of displacement, and even predict where secondary crises—disease outbreaks, food shortages—are likely to emerge. For organizations such as the World Food Programme or Médecins Sans Frontières, such insights are invaluable. They allow for targeted interventions, minimizing wastage and maximising impact.
Yet, AI is only as effective as the digital infrastructure that supports it. This is where DPI, encompassing digital identity systems, interoperable payments, secure data platforms, and open digital networks, comes into play. DPI can be thought of as the connective tissue that enables information to flow securely and efficiently between stakeholders—governments, NGOs, private sector partners, and the communities themselves. When built with inclusivity and privacy at their core, DPIs can empower individuals to access services directly and on their own terms, reducing dependency and bureaucratic friction.
The potential is vividly illustrated in the context of digital identity. In many humanitarian emergencies, the lack of verifiable identification is a major barrier to assistance. Refugees and internally displaced people often arrive at camps with little more than the clothes on their backs, their official documents lost or destroyed. Digital ID systems, where responsibly designed, can restore agency to these individuals, allowing them to prove eligibility for aid, access financial services, and even participate in local economies. The Aadhaar system in India, though not without controversy, has demonstrated the power of a national digital ID in extending access to government services for millions, including the most marginalised.
Meanwhile, digital payment platforms are transforming the delivery of cash-based assistance. Rather than distributing physical goods or vouchers, agencies can now transfer funds directly to recipients’ mobile wallets, reducing the risk of theft or corruption and giving beneficiaries the dignity of choice. In crisis zones from Kenya to Lebanon, such innovations have enabled families to purchase what they need most—be it food, medicine, or school supplies—while also stimulating local markets.
Nevertheless, the rush to digitise humanitarian aid is not without its perils. The same technologies that promise efficiency and empowerment can also entrench exclusion and surveillance if not thoughtfully deployed. The digital divide remains a stubborn reality: millions lack access to smartphones, reliable internet, or basic digital literacy. Women, rural populations, and people with disabilities are particularly at risk of being left behind. The deployment of AI systems also raises questions about data privacy, consent, and algorithmic bias. When sensitive information about vulnerable populations is collected and analysed, the stakes are high; mishandling it can expose individuals to discrimination or even physical danger.
These challenges underscore the need for rigorous governance, transparency, and community engagement in designing both AI solutions and DPI frameworks. Aid organizations must work hand-in-hand with affected communities, local governments, and technology partners to ensure that digital tools are tailored to context and grounded in ethical principles. Global standards and best practices—such as the Principles for Digital Development and the Humanitarian Data Responsibility Guidelines—offer valuable roadmaps, but implementation remains uneven.
There is also the question of sustainability. Donor-driven pilot projects frequently fizzle out once funding dries up or attention shifts elsewhere. Building robust DPI, especially in fragile contexts, requires long-term investment, capacity-building, and a commitment to local ownership. Without these, even the most sophisticated AI applications risk becoming little more than technological window-dressing.
Yet, for all the hurdles, the momentum is unmistakable. In Ukraine, AI-driven chatbots are providing refugees with up-to-date information on border crossings and legal rights. In Bangladesh, biometric registration has streamlined the distribution of aid in Rohingya camps, reducing duplication and fraud. In sub-Saharan Africa, mobile money has become a lifeline for millions, delivering not just aid but a pathway to financial inclusion.
Looking ahead, the task is not simply to digitise what already exists, but to reimagine humanitarian service delivery for a digital age—one where affected people are not passive recipients but active participants. True transformation will demand humility, vigilance, and a willingness to learn from failure as much as from success.
The promise of AI and DPI in humanitarian aid is not a magic bullet, but it is a powerful lever for change. By harnessing these technologies thoughtfully, the international community can move closer to a future where help reaches those who need it most—swiftly, fairly, and with humanity at its heart. The tools are at hand; the challenge now is to wield them wisely.
