30th July 2026
We’re excited to host our next Humanitarian Tech series webinar in partnership with NetHope. Join us on 30 July at 14.00 BST (UTC+1) for a candid panel discussion identifying practical priorities and pathways for progress across the humanitarian ecosystem.
As AI choices move beyond general purpose, cloud-based tools, there is growing interest in more specialised approaches for humanitarian work – including localised AI solutions. What does this look like, and what will it take to move from individual organisational efforts to coordinated action?
We’ll explore emerging developments in localised AI and the choices shaping its adoption across the sector.
- Gain expert insights on how localised AI holds potential in addressing sector concerns including data sovereignty, security, and specialist domain knowledge.
- Hear examples of emerging and promising localised AI tools and use cases such as small language models and offline solutions to support humanitarian work, particularly for frontline responders and local and national organisations.
- Discuss what it will take to move beyond pilots – and what collective action across the humanitarian ecosystem could look like, from local innovation to global coordination.
This is an opportunity to learn from shared experience and contribute to building a more informed, responsible approach to AI that supports the humanitarian sector’s overarching commitments to localisation.
Speakers
- Deogratius Kiggudde, Programs Manager, Upanzi Network at Carnegie Mellon University Africa
- Tino Kreutzer, Chief Operating & Innovation Officer, Kobo
- Meheret Takele Mandefro, Digital Transformation Analyst, NetHope
- Esther Grieder, Director, Membership Engagement, NetHope [opening remarks]
- Ka Man Parkinson, Communications Lead, Humanitarian Leadership Academy [Host]
Session format
- This 90-minute online session will be held on Zoom Webinars. It will be delivered in English language. Zoom captions will be enabled.
- The session format is a short series of speaker presentations followed by panel discussion/audience Q&A.
- The session will be recorded and post-event the recording and slide deck will be available.
- Live attendees will be eligible to claim an HPass digital badge in recognition of attendance and participation in this forum.
Who this session is for
This session will provide valuable insights to support humanitarians navigating AI adoption. The discussion is aimed at practitioners of all levels – no technical or prior experience in AI is needed. The discussion will also be of interest to technologists, researchers, donors and government stakeholders who would like to gain insights into the humanitarian AI landscape.
About the speakers
Deogratius Kiggudde
Deogratius Kiggudde is a Programs Manager for the Upanzi Digital Public Infrastructure Network at Carnegie Mellon University Africa. He manages teams that oversee multi-country research, innovation, capacity building, and outreach initiatives across AI, cybersecurity, connectivity, digital ID, payments, data governance, and DPI implementation.
He leads stakeholder engagement in the digital sector, bringing together government, donors, the private sector, and academia through policy panels, solution demonstrations, conferences, and roundtables. He enhances partnerships and promotes delivery with user training and documentation.
Previously, he served as Senior Programs Manager for Technology and Implementation at the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team, where he coordinated multi-country teams, expanded a regional grant portfolio, and built impactful partnerships. He holds a BSc in Quantity Surveying, a Postgraduate Diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation, and a PMP certification.
Tino Kreutzer
Tino Kreutzer is the Chief Operating & Innovation Officer at Kobo, the nonprofit behind KoboToolbox. Used by over 32,000 organizations globally for humanitarian action, disaster response, and climate resilience, KoboToolbox is the leading open source data platform for challenging contexts. With over 15 years of field experience across Central African Republic, DR Congo, Uganda, Liberia, Palestine, Nepal, and Sierra Leone, Tino specializes in bridging high-level AI technology with the practical realities of fieldwork and evaluation.
He leads Kobo’s work on responsible AI for humanitarian and disaster-related data, focusing on ethics-first design and human-in-the-loop safeguards, solutions for low-connectivity environments, and speech-to-text pipelines for low-resource languages. His approach is grounded in extensive research on the ethical implications of processing personal data with AI in crisis settings and a Ph.D. in Health from York University focused on improving humanitarian needs assessments through natural language processing.
Meheret Takele Mandefro
Meheret Takele Mandefro is a Digital Transformation Analyst at NetHope and leads the NetHope Connected Community, supporting small to mid size local nonprofits in their digital transformation journeys. In this role, she focuses on strengthening community driven digital capacity, fostering peer learning, and helping organizations navigate emerging technologies, including AI, in ways that advance locally led impact.
Prior to stepping into this role, Meheret served as NetHope’s Business analyst, conducting comprehensive sector research that deepened her understanding of nonprofits’ digital transformation needs. She produced data driven briefings and reports, and led analyses on AI adoption, digital skills demand, cybersecurity, and responsible innovation. She also led NetHope’s AI Working Group, collaborating with international nonprofits to shape sector wide conversations on AI use.
Her academic and professional background spans data science, artificial intelligence, and information science. She previously worked as an assistant lecturer in Ethiopia, a data engineer at Gmaven in South Africa, and a research intern at IRC’s WASH program in The Hague, exploring AI’s role in improving operational efficiency. Now based in The Hague, Meheret is committed to advancing equitable, community centered digital transformation across the humanitarian and development sectors.
Esther Grieder
Esther Grieder is a community engagement and partnerships expert with over two decades experience in the humanitarian and nonprofit sectors. As Director of Membership Engagement at NetHope, she supports a global network of organisations driving impact through collaboration, collective action and smart use of technology. Previously at the Humanitarian Leadership Academy, she led strategic partnerships and global community initiatives, and developed sector-wide platforms and services. Esther is passionate about building inclusive, purpose-driven communities.
Ka Man Parkinson
Ka Man Parkinson is Communications Lead at the Humanitarian Leadership Academy where she leads global engagement, storytelling and advocacy as part of the organisation’s convening strategy. Through her work, she connects people, organisations and ideas to help accelerate the movement for locally led humanitarian action. Ka Man’s interdisciplinary background – spanning two decades of experience in nonprofit communications and marketing, a technical education in management and IT, and practice as an EMCC-qualified coach and mentor – shapes her holistic and people-centred approach. She initiated and co-leads the first global study tracking how humanitarians are using AI in their work, and founded and hosts Fresh Humanitarian Perspectives and the HLA Webinar Series. Ka Man is based near Manchester, UK.
About NetHope
NetHope, a consortium of over 60 leading global nonprofits, unites with technology companies and funding partners to design, fund, implement, adapt, and scale innovative approaches to solve development, humanitarian, and conservation challenges. Together, the NetHope community strives to transform the world, building a platform of hope for those who receive aid and those who deliver it.
About the HLA Webinar Series
The HLA Webinar Series is an online initiative designed to connect, inform and inspire humanitarians from around the world. We promote information sharing and knowledge exchange on topical issues facing the sector.
Through these regular free online sessions, we strive to bring you fresh and engaging insights from diverse speakers ranging from seasoned leaders to more recent entrants to the sector.