Fresh Humanitarian Perspectives

Humanitarian Leadership Academy
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 Humanitarian conversations that inform, connect and inspire action. 

  1. Humanity, dignity, agency: a call for shifts in humanitarian leadership - In conversation with Marina Kobzeva

    15/12/2025

    Humanity, dignity, agency: a call for shifts in humanitarian leadership - In conversation with Marina Kobzeva

    Send us a text How can solidarity transform humanitarian leadership to truly centre communities? In this candid leadership-focused conversation, Marina Kobzeva speaks with Ka Man Parkinson about the humanitarian sector at a critical juncture - and the unlearning, reflection and change required of all of us.  Drawing on her lived experience and two decades as a humanitarian leader, Marina explores how the system "projectises" crisis, and why the most effective response is often led by communities themselves outside formal humanitarian structures.  Through powerful personal storytelling - from unnecessary chlorine tablets in aid packages to a small act of kindness that transcends conflict and division - Marina illustrates what solidarity looks like when stripped of bureaucracy. This is a conversation about unlearning, transformation, and the raw power of human connection. Visit the episode webpage for speaker bios, conversation transcript and links: www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources/humanity-dignity-agency-a-call-for-shifts-in-humanitarian-leadership-in-conversation-with-marina-kobzeva 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.

    1h 14m
  2. Humanitarian AI podcast series | Developing AI literacy: a matter of trust, critical thinking and localisation

    26/11/2025

    Humanitarian AI podcast series | Developing AI literacy: a matter of trust, critical thinking and localisation

    Send us a text How can humanitarian organisations bridge the AI readiness gap through critical thinking and localised approaches? Humanitarian organisations face a critical challenge: while individual staff members are racing ahead with AI experimentation in their daily work.  According to new research from NetHope, only around 9% of nonprofit organisations report being fully ready for systematic AI adoption. This gap between individual curiosity and institutional preparedness isn't just about access to tools - it's about building the right competencies to use AI responsibly and effectively. In this episode, guest host Madigan Johnson from Data Friendly Space speaks with Meheret Takele Mandefro, Business Analyst at NetHope's Centre for the Digital Nonprofit. Drawing from her powerful journey - from witnessing educational inequality in rural Ethiopia to experiencing digital isolation during conflict - Meheret brings a unique perspective on what AI literacy truly means for the humanitarian sector. Drawing from NetHope's AI Readiness Benchmark research, Meheret reveals the challenge isn't technological - it's human, strategic, and deeply contextual. Tune in for a practical, grounded conversation exploring: Why AI literacy must go beyond technical skills: The often-overlooked competencies of critical thinking, ethical decision-making, cultural intelligence, and change leadershipThe critical role of culturally sensitive, localised approaches: How AI can complement rather than replace traditional knowledge systems and indigenous wisdomBalancing urgency with competency development: Dual-track approaches that deploy safe AI tools for immediate needs whilst building long-term skills through iterative practiceHow blended learning ecosystems truly work: Integrating formal training with peer-to-peer learning, working groups, and real-world case studiesPlus, practical guidance: How smaller organisations can begin their AI literacy journey and why the sector needs to think critically about whether, when, and how to adopt AI Visit the episode webpage for show notes including speaker bios and full transcript: www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources/humanitarian-ai-podcast-series-developing-ai-literacy-a-matter-of-trust-critical-thinking-and-localisation 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.

    1h 12m
  3. To AI or not to AI: a humanitarian comms conversation

    10/11/2025

    To AI or not to AI: a humanitarian comms conversation

    Send us a text Questioning visuals in humanitarian communications and fundraising in light of localisation and AI. The use of images is crucial in the way we communicate especially in the humanitarian sector where an image is truly "worth a thousand words", many emotions, conversations and storage for historic information. In this episode Deborah Adesina (Debby), Doctoral Scholar at the University of Liverpool and David Girling, Associate Professor at the University of East Anglia, UK both co-leads of the Charity Advertising Research Series hold a light-hearted yet thought-provoking conversation on the use of generative AI images as an option for humanitarian campaigns.  Nwabundo Okoh, Comms and Marketing Lead at the HLA approaches the conversation through the lens of David and Debby's in-depth research pieces and follow-up articles on the analysis of UK charity visual communications in direct mail campaigns and the analysis of charity advertising supporting international causes in UK national newspapers. Asking how/if generative AI images might be considered now or in the future.  Debbie quoting Susan Sontag says that “the problem isn’t that people remember through photographs but they remember only the photographs”  Listen now to hear David and Debbie's fresh perspectives on findings from their research; why knowing your 'why' is so important; how humanitarians can consider navigating the use of AI for images, what to be aware of and more Keywords: Localisation, Ethical storytelling, International development, Poverty, Fundraising, Humanitarian communication, Photography, AI, Education, Co-creation, Authenticity Speakers: David Girling, Associate Professor, School of Global Development - University of East Anglia, UK | Deborah Adesina, Doctoral Scholar, University of Liverpool | Read their full profiles and find more information here: To AI or not to AI: a humanitarian comms conversation - Humanitarian Leadership Academy 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.

    59 min
  4. Humanitarian AI podcast series | Localising AI solutions: practitioner experiences from Rwanda

    15/10/2025

    Humanitarian AI podcast series | Localising AI solutions: practitioner experiences from Rwanda

    Send us a text How can experimentation and collaboration bridge the gap between humanitarian AI aspirations and reality?  Our recent AI research conducted in partnership with Data Friendly Space highlighted infrastructural constraints and risk tolerance as major barriers to AI adoption. In this fifth instalment of our six-part Humanitarian AI podcast series, we explore how Rwanda's innovation ecosystem offers practical lessons for the humanitarian sector. We're delighted to welcome Deogratius Kiggudde, Programme Manager for The Upanzi Network at Carnegie Mellon University Africa in Kigali. Deogratius sits down with Ka Man Parkinson and shares his experiences of working with open-source community-centred tech and AI in Rwanda's innovation ecosystem and beyond. Tune in for a practical, grounded conversation on AI implementation, including: Deogratius’ experience of working within Rwanda's experimentation cultureThe potential of small language models for humanitarian AIThe power of community-driven open-source techInsight into real-world connectivity solutionsPlus, Deogratius answers community questions.Visit the episode webpage for shownotes including speaker bios, episode transcript and supporting links: https://www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources/humanitarian-ai-podcast-series-localising-ai-solutions-practitioner-experiences-from-rwanda 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.

    1h 15m
  5. Humanitarian AI podcast series | Building inclusive AI: indigenous knowledge frameworks from Kenya and beyond

    08/10/2025

    Humanitarian AI podcast series | Building inclusive AI: indigenous knowledge frameworks from Kenya and beyond

    Send us a text How can indigenous knowledge systems and African philosophy reshape how we build and deploy AI for humanitarian work? Our research surfaced ethical and cultural concerns from humanitarians worldwide, particularly around the ownership and suitability of AI systems developed elsewhere for localised humanitarian action. How can communities shape AI rather than simply receive it? In the fourth instalment of our six-part Humanitarian AI podcast series, Wakanyi Hoffman, Head of Research on Sustainable African AI Innovation at the Inclusive AI Lab, Utrecht University, speaks to Ka Man Parkinson about building inclusive, contextualised AI through Ubuntu philosophy and community wisdom. In this conversation, Wakanyi explores: Ubuntu and the "right to relate" framework - rethinking AI ethics beyond individual rightsHow recognising ourselves as storytellers and "data workers" reclaims power in AI developmentSmall language models as sustainable, community-led alternatives to large corporate systemsDesigning AI for retirement, not permanence - an indigenous approach to technologyCommunity questions on digital divides, cultural representation, human rights and authentic amplificationVisit the episode webpage for shownotes including speaker bios, episode transcript and supporting links: www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources/building-inclusive-ai-indigenous-knowledge-frameworks-from-kenya-and-beyond 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.

    1h 12m
  6. Humanitarian AI podcast series | Addressing governance gaps: perspectives from Nigeria and beyond

    02/10/2025

    Humanitarian AI podcast series | Addressing governance gaps: perspectives from Nigeria and beyond

    Send us a text How can humanitarians engage responsibly with AI tools without clear governance frameworks? Only one in five humanitarian organisations have formal AI policies despite widespread usage - creating a "governance vacuum." How can organisations develop robust AI governance when operating across diverse regulatory environments whilst AI regulation is still emerging? In the third instalment of our six-part Humanitarian AI podcast series, Timi Olagunju speaks to Ka Man Parkinson to discuss how humanitarian organisations can close this governance gap. Timi Olagunju is a lawyer specialising in tech policy and AI governance, working at the intersection of law, technology, and development. He offers insights into the regulatory landscape affecting humanitarian AI adoption across Africa and globally. In this conversation, Timi examines: Why AI literacy is the cornerstone of governance - not an afterthoughtHow fragmented regulatory environments in Africa can create 'procurement paralysis' Four principles for responsible AI deploymentPractical guidance on data protection - treating data like cashCommunity questions on AI transparency, data protection challenges, regulatory gaps, and safeguarding strategiesVisit the episode webpage for shownotes including speaker bios, episode transcript and supporting links: www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources/humanitarian-ai-podcast-series-addressing-governance-gaps-perspectives-from-nigeria-and-beyond 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.

    1h 17m
  7. Humanitarian AI podcast series | Bridging implementation gaps: from AI literacy to localisation

    24/09/2025

    Humanitarian AI podcast series | Bridging implementation gaps: from AI literacy to localisation

    Send us a text How can humanitarian organisations bridge the gap between individual AI experimentation and organisational adoption? In this second instalment of our six-part humanitarian AI podcast series, Ka Man Parkinson sits down with Michael Tjalve to explore how organisations can move from experimentation to the deployment of ethical, fit-for-purpose AI solutions - if an organisation decides that this is the right pathway for them. Michael brings over two decades of expertise working at the intersection of technology, social impact and humanitarian action. As founder of Humanitarian AI Advisory, co-founder of the RootsAI Foundation, and former Chief AI Architect at Microsoft Philanthropies, and with roles in academia and the UN, he offers insider perspectives on these challenges. In this deep dive conversation, Michael discusses implementation barriers, practical steps and possibilities, including: Why AI policy development should be every organisation's first stepLooking beyond ChatGPT and large language models for contextualised humanitarian solutionsLanguage barriers and broadening AI accessCommunity Q&AVisit the episode webpage for shownotes including speaker bios, episode transcript and supporting links: https://www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources/humanitarian-ai-podcast-series-bridging-implementation-gaps-from-ai-literacy-to-localisation 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.

    1h 6m
  8. Humanitarian AI podcast series | Reflecting on our community-centred humanitarian AI research: your questions answered

    17/09/2025 · BONUS

    Humanitarian AI podcast series | Reflecting on our community-centred humanitarian AI research: your questions answered

    Send us a text The humanitarian community conversation on AI continues. Tune into a companion episode where the team respond to community questions raised at the August 2025 online launch event of the report 'How are humanitarians using AI in 2025? Mapping current practice and future potential' from the Humanitarian Leadership Academy and Data Friendly Space.  The research team Lucy Hall and Ka Man Parkinson from the HLA and Madigan Johnson from DFS answer audience questions covering specific report-focused queries as well as broader questions around the application of AI by humanitarians.  This is a companion content to the podcast episode featuring the research team: How are humanitarians using AI: reflections on our community-centred research approach. Visit the podcast webpage for speaker bios, links and a conversation transcript: www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources/how-are-humanitarians-using-ai-reflections-on-our-community-centred-research-approach 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.

    36 min
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 Humanitarian conversations that inform, connect and inspire action. 

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  • Creator
    Humanitarian Leadership Academy
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    55
  • Rating
    Clean
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    © 2025 Fresh Humanitarian Perspectives
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    Fresh Humanitarian Perspectives