The Humanitarian AI paradox in 2026: A literacy and leadership challenge

How can humanitarian organisations develop responsible and ethical approaches to AI - during a time of deep funding shortfalls and structural change? 

During 2025-2026, the HLA and Data Friendly Space have been leading the world's first study to track how humanitarians are using AI. We're sitting down for a mid-year conversation to take stock and discuss what the data and insights point to what is urgently needed next to support responsible AI adoption across the sector.

The HLA's Ka Man Parkinson and research co-lead Madigan Johnson from Data Friendly Space catch up to reflect on the second phase of the Humanitarian AI research, and the recent release of a new Ethical AI use and decision-making in humanitarian work Kaya learning module on kayaconnect.org - created with and for humanitarians.

Tune in to hear a candid discussion of what the sector picture looks like in 2026 including:

• Why AI literacy and governance that meets practitioners where they are is critical
• Beyond the prompt: Why AI literacy is about people, communication and decision-making
• Why AI preparedness matters - even if you're not planning to use AI
• How AI literacy and ethical approaches can be explored through a humanitarian lens - including conflict sensitivity and anticipatory action
• Practical recommendations for individuals and organisations navigating AI decisions
  
  

Who this conversation is for

This episode offers a global perspective on AI adoption trends in 2026 - it is suitable for anyone with an interest in the use of AI in humanitarian work and no technical knowledge is required. It will be of particular interest to leaders and decision makers in the humanitarian and development sector navigating AI adoption decisions as well as to policy makers, funders and donors. It also provides useful sectoral context for technologists and researchers.

Visit the episode webpage for speaker bios, links and a conversation transcript: https://www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources/the-humanitarian-ai-paradox-in-2026-a-literacy-and-leadership-challenge 

Stay tuned!
This is the first instalment of a two-part conversation. In the second episode, Ka Man will be joined by Musaab Abdalhadi, Ali Al Mokdad and Nour Arab for powerful conversation exploring some of the tensions between operational realities and the promise of AI systems.
 

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.