Practical Insights on Generative AI

Generative Artificial Intelligence in international development

Generative AI in Development

Generative AI, an advanced segment of artificial intelligence technology, has the potential to significantly improve outcomes for humanitarian organizations. These organizations often operate in complex, resource-limited environments where rapid, informed decision-making can save lives and enhance the efficiency of aid distribution.

  • Generative AI can dramatically improve information management during crises to synthesize vast amounts of data—from satellite images to social media posts—into comprehensible reports that can guide response efforts.
  • Generative AI can optimize supply chains, predicting and responding to logistical challenges by generating alternative routes or solutions in real-time.
  • Generative AI also holds promise in the realm of personalized aid. By analyzing data on individual needs and circumstances, it can generate tailored assistance programs for refugees or personalized educational content for educators and students.
  • Generative AI can enhance engagement and fundraising efforts by creating personalized communications for donors and stakeholders, improving communication effectiveness and increasing donor retention and funding.

Generative AI must be used ethically to maintain transparency, consent, and privacy, especially considering the vulnerable populations involved. There must be rigorous standards and guidelines in place to govern the use of AI, ensuring that it serves as a tool for good without exacerbating existing inequalities or undermining human rights.

GenAI Insights in Development

Thankfully, as loyal ICTworks readers, you’ve been on the Generative AI journey for years now exploring how these tools can be used to advance international development objectives.

Please read our ongoing coverage of GenAI in development in these posts:

What Top ICTworks Posts in 2024 Say About ICT4D Themes in 2025

What Top ICTworks Posts in 2024 Say About ICT4D Themes in 2025

Published on: Jan 16 2025 by Wayan Vota - Leave a Comment
I started ICTworks sixteen (16!) years ago to engage international development leaders to use ICT4D in their programs. This humble website is now the blog of record...
Apply Now: $30 Million Google Funding for Generative AI Solutions

Apply Now: $30 Million Google Funding for Generative AI Solutions

Published on: Jan 13 2025 by Wayan Vota - Leave a Comment
Many organizations feel overwhelmed by generative AI solutions. They know there are many GenAI solutions that can deliver social good outcomes. Generative AI can...
Yes! International Development Organizations Need to Hire Chief Artificial Intelligence Officers Now!

Yes! International Development Organizations Need to Hire Chief Artificial Intelligence Officers Now!

Published on: Jan 02 2025 by Wayan Vota - 1 Comment
The New York Times declared that the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer is the hottest job in corporate America. Major companies are looking for leaders to help...
2025 Is the Year to Be Wrong in ICT4D. And That’s a Good Thing

2025 Is the Year to Be Wrong in ICT4D. And That’s a Good Thing

Published on: Jan 01 2025 by Guest Writer - Leave a Comment
In a discussion with a government official last week, she made a point that stuck with me. She said: “Every time we discuss AI readiness, someone tells us...
Brazil Needs to Create Sovereign Generative AI Solutions Now

Brazil Needs to Create Sovereign Generative AI Solutions Now

Published on: Dec 26 2024 by Nadia Andrada - 1 Comment
In the modern world, the ability to innovate with technology defines the path to development. For Brazil, I believe it is time to claim our space in the rising...
What Is the Future of Generative AI and MERL Tech in 2025?

What Is the Future of Generative AI and MERL Tech in 2025?

Published on: Dec 19 2024 by Linda Raftree - 1 Comment
Ten years after the emergence of MERL Tech, I thought it might be fun to share some observations of the evolution of the space, from the early days when people...
Apply Now: $3 Million Internet Freedom Grants from US State Department

Apply Now: $3 Million Internet Freedom Grants from US State Department

Published on: Dec 16 2024 by Wayan Vota - 3 Comments
The US Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) has the mission of promoting democracy and protecting human rights globally. DRL...
Needed: ChatGPT Prompt Training for Frontline Health Workers to Use GenAI

Needed: ChatGPT Prompt Training for Frontline Health Workers to Use GenAI

Published on: Dec 05 2024 by Wayan Vota - Leave a Comment
If you believe the GenAI hype, then you should not be surprised by the viral New York Time article, A.I. Chatbots Defeated Doctors at Diagnosing Illness, where...
Giving Thanks to ChatGPT: 4 Ways to Use GenAI Today in Digital Development

Giving Thanks to ChatGPT: 4 Ways to Use GenAI Today in Digital Development

Published on: Nov 28 2024 by Wayan Vota - 3 Comments
There are many Generative AI tools that are revolutionizing digital development. A recent World Bank report found that ChatGPT is by far the most popular. USAID...
Climate Impact Is the Worst Reason to Say No to Generative AI

Climate Impact Is the Worst Reason to Say No to Generative AI

Published on: Nov 21 2024 by Wayan Vota - 8 Comments
I created a digital twin using Generative AI to test how well the technology can mimic human writing patterns. Spoiler alert: GenAI is not replacing me anytime...