29th January 2026
Join us for our Humanitarian AI focused webinar held in partnership with NetHope
Explore humanitarian AI adoption trends and considerations for responsible development and implementation. Hear from expert practitioners about what’s working, what isn’t, and lessons worth sharing.
29 January 2026 | 12.00 – 13.30 UTC | Zoom Webinars
- Gain insights on sectoral humanitarian AI developments and practitioner experiences of real-world applications.
- Learn about the latest developments from NetHope on AI skilling initiatives and available resources for humanitarian organisations.
- Hear an update on the next phase of the HLA’s research with Data Friendly Space into the use of AI in the humanitarian sector – and how you can get involved.
This is an opportunity to learn from shared experience and contribute to building a more informed, responsible approach to AI in humanitarian contexts.
Speakers
- Mercyleen Tanui, Global IT Operations Manager, WaterAid
- Michael Tjalve, Founder, Humanitarian AI Advisory and co-founder, RootsAI Foundation
- Daniela Weber, Director, NetHope Center for the Digital Nonprofit
- Ka Man Parkinson, Communications and Marketing Lead, Humanitarian Leadership Academy [Host]
- Esther Grieder, Director of Membership Engagement, NetHope [opening remarks]
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.
Session format
- Join us online: This 90-minute session will be held on Zoom and delivered in English. Zoom captions will be enabled, including translated captions. The recording will be available to watch on demand on the HLA YouTube channel.
- Interactive discussion: Learn through a series of short expert presentations followed by interactive panel discussion – you will have the opportunity to put questions to the panellists in the Q&A.
- Earn an HPass badge: Live attendees will be able to claim an HPass digital badge in recognition of engagement in this learning and discussion forum.
About the speakers
Mercyleen Tanui
Mercyleen Tanui is a seasoned Global IT Operations Manager at WaterAid, with extensive experience leading enterprise-scale technology environments across distributed and fast-growing organizations. She is known for driving operational excellence, building resilient systems, and championing human-centered innovation.
With her experience in various areas of IT, her specialization in cybersecurity and a strong focus on Responsible and Humanitarian AI, she offers a unique perspective on the AI adoption framework. In her speaking experiences, she has shared the need for a comprehensive assessment of potential impacts, effectively mitigating risks associated with the use of AI in the workplace, and the incorporation of privacy values within AI implementations.
Mercyleen has advised cross-functional teams on leveraging emerging technologies to improve service delivery, crisis response, and digital equity. Her work sits at the intersection of technology, impact, and global operations, with a passion for ensuring AI solutions remain ethical, inclusive, and sustainable. In 2026, she continues to be a thought leader on the evolving AI landscape – sharing lessons learned, key trends, and transformative opportunities that can empower communities and organizations worldwide.
Michael Tjalve
Michael Tjalve brings more than two decades of experience with AI, from applied science and research to tech sector AI development, most recently serving as Chief AI Architect at Microsoft Philanthropies where he helped humanitarian organizations leverage AI to amplify their impact. In 2024, he left the tech sector to establish Humanitarian AI Advisory, dedicated to helping humanitarian organizations and stakeholders understand how to harness the potential of AI while navigating its pitfalls.
Michael holds a PhD in Artificial Intelligence from University College London and he is Assistant Professor at University of Washington where he teaches AI in the humanitarian sector. Michael serves as Board Chair and technology advisor for Spreeha Foundation, working to improve healthcare and education in underserved communities in Bangladesh. Michael is AI Advisor to the UN on humanitarian affairs, where he works with OCHA on AI strategy and on providing guidance on the safe and effective use of AI for humanitarian action. He is also co-lead of the SAFE AI initiative which aims to promote the safe and responsible use of AI in humanitarian action. Michael recently co-founded the RootsAI Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing the value of modern AI to languages and communities that don’t have easy access to it today, and to improve representation in AI models by building culturally grounded AI tools.
Daniela Weber
Daniela Weber is the Director of NetHope’s Center for the Digital Nonprofit where she researches emerging technologies and trends and their relevance for the nonprofit sector, and supports nonprofits in their digital transformation through assessments, tools, and consultations. She leads NetHope’s AI program which looks to enable nonprofits to utilize AI to amplify their efforts to support vulnerable communities in the face of multi-crisis, and to make sure they can do so in a safe, ethical, and equitable way.
Daniela has over 30 years of experience in leadership roles in IT and Consulting, delivering digital transformation for organizations across a variety of sectors including consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, and hospitality. She moved into the nonprofit sector in 2015 and now works for NetHope, an organization that convenes the world’s leading international NGOs and technology companies, and some of the world’s most sophisticated users of digital for human, social, and environmental good.
Ka Man Parkinson
Ka Man Parkinson is Communications and Marketing Lead at the Humanitarian Leadership Academy. She has 20 years’ professional experience in communications and marketing across the nonprofit sector. Ka Man joined the HLA in 2022 and now leads on global engagement and community building initiatives as part of the HLA’s convening strategy. She takes an interdisciplinary, people-centred approach to her work, blending multimedia campaigns with learning and research initiatives. In May 2025, she initiated and co-led the world’s first study into global humanitarian AI adoption together with Data Friendly Space, reaching 2.5k practitioners in 144 countries. Ka Man produces the HLA’s Fresh Humanitarian Perspectives podcast and leads the HLA webinar series.
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.
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 a diverse range of speakers ranging from seasoned leaders to more recent entrants to the sector.