Digital humanitarianism - Paul Conneally

TL;DR

Technology, specifically mobile devices and SMS technology, has revolutionized the humanitarian aid sector, allowing for faster response and greater participation from affected communities.

Transcript

[Applause] the humanitarian model has barely changed since the early 20th century its Origins are firmly rooted in the analog age and there is a major shift coming on the horizon the Catalyst for this change was the major earthquake that struck Haiti on the 12th of January in 2010 Haiti was a game changer the earthquake destroyed the capital Port o... Read More

Key Insights

• ✊ The Haiti earthquake demonstrated the power of mobile technology and SMS in disaster response efforts.
• 👍 TERRA, the Trilogy Emergency Response Application, has proven effective in empowering and assisting communities in disaster-prone regions.
• 💁 Communities in Kenya, Mongolia, and Nigeria have successfully utilized mobile and SMS technology for mapping, information gathering, and healthcare initiatives.
• 😃 The rise of technology in the humanitarian sector requires organizations to embrace big data and elevate IT departments to software strategists.
• ❓ Technology has the potential to ensure the participation and empowerment of affected communities in humanitarian efforts.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the earthquake in Haiti in 2010 lead to a major shift in humanitarian aid?

The earthquake in Haiti highlighted the power of mobile technology and SMS, as affected individuals used their devices to seek help, share data, and offer support, revolutionizing the traditional aid model.

Q: What is the Trilogy Emergency Response Application (TERRA) and how has it been used?

TERRA is a communication tool developed in Haiti that allows for two-way communication, targeted messaging, and easy usability, enabling effective disaster response efforts, public health awareness campaigns, and more.

Q: How have communities in Kenya, Mongolia, and Nigeria utilized mobile and SMS technology for their benefit?

In Kenya, young people in the slum of Kibera have used mobile technology to put themselves on the map, sharing real-time information about their community. In Mongolia, SMS information systems are used to track migration and weather patterns, while in Nigeria, open-source SMS tools help gather information for healthcare initiatives.

Q: What potential does technology have in transforming the humanitarian aid sector?

Technology has the potential to ensure the right to information and communication in the humanitarian sector, as well as anticipate the need for critical communication technologies to empower affected communities and ensure their participation in aid efforts.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The earthquake in Haiti in 2010 showcased the unprecedented power of mobile technology and SMS in disaster response, with people using their devices to cry for help, share data, and offer support.

• The development of the Trilogy Emergency Response Application (TERRA) in Haiti allowed for two-way communication, targeted messaging, and easy usability, proving to be effective in empowering and assisting communities.

• Other examples from around the world, such as in Kenya, Mongolia, and Nigeria, demonstrate how mobile and SMS technology can be used for community mapping, information gathering, and healthcare initiatives.