Bits&Bytes the podcast

UNICEF Digital Technology
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UNICEF Digital Impact official podcast. Our mission: results for children using ​​​​​​cost-effective, innovative, and digitally-enabled solutions. #foreverychild

  1. Child rights in the age of AI

    FEB 4

    Child rights in the age of AI

    How will artificial intelligence shape the lives of the children who are growing up with it? In this episode, we speak with Henrietta Ridley, UNICEF’s first Chief of AI, about what it really means to build a child‑centric digital future at a time when technology is moving faster than policy, ethics, and even public understanding. Henrietta unpacks the big questions: How do we ensure AI serves every child, not just those represented in today’s datasets? What risks and opportunities does AI bring to childhood, privacy, learning, and identity? How can UNICEF make sure children’s voices are heard by tech companies and governments shaping the systems they’ll grow up using? From global equity and language gaps to data rights and ethical dilemmas, this is a clear, grounded conversation about using AI responsibly, thoughtfully, and for the benefit of the next generation. This episode is for anyone working at the intersection of technology, rights, and the future of childhood.

    5 min
  2. Breathing data: how Laos’ schools are mapping air pollution

    12/11/2025

    Breathing data: how Laos’ schools are mapping air pollution

    When seasonal haze turns dangerous, UNICEF’s Air for Tomorrow project brings open‑source sensors and connectivity to schools across Laos, turning “we can feel it” into actionable data that protects children and communities.

    4 min
  3. Bringing HOPE to whoever needs it most

    11/06/2025

    Bringing HOPE to whoever needs it most

    In this episode of Bits&Bytes we hear from Gabriele Erba and Domenico Di Nicola to discover how UNICEF’s HOPE platform is transforming humanitarian aid through digital cash transfers, open-source technology, and AI-driven innovation. We dive into how HOPE helps deliver secure, scalable, and fast financial assistance to families with children in need—across more than 30 countries and over $850 million distributed. Learn how HOPE (Humanitarian cash Operations and Programme Ecosystem) integrates with financial service providers, uses face recognition to prevent fraud, and empowers governments and humanitarian organizations with modular, open-source software. We also explore the future of cash assistance, including AI-powered automation, risk mitigation, and user-centered design. Whether you're in humanitarian tech, digital finance, or child protection, this episode offers insights into how technology can drive impact at scale.

    5 min
  4. Using AI to decode adolescent mental health

    08/05/2025

    Using AI to decode adolescent mental health

    In this episode of Bits&Bytes, UNICEF colleagues Mirella Hernani and Viviana Canyon Tamayo explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and adolescent mental health. This conversation dives into how AI can help identify early signs of distress among youth. Learn about partnerships with social media companies and the ethical complexities of using data for social good. UNICEF follows governance, ethical and safeguarding standards to ensure responsible use of AI in mental health. AI tools discussed in this episode are not substitutes for professional judgement, and any use of data adheres to ethical and legal guidelines. We encourage listeners to engage critically and consult trusted sources for guidance on ethical AI and child mental health.

    6 min
  5. Innovating for Impact: UNICEF's 5D Framework

    06/04/2025

    Innovating for Impact: UNICEF's 5D Framework

    Join Luna Kim and Shalini Subbiah from UNICEF's Office of Innovation as they delve into the transformative power of the 5D innovation framework. Discover how this multipurpose tool is helping UNICEF identify, validate, and scale innovations to tackle systemic barriers and accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Luna and Shalini share their experiences, motivations, and the journey of developing the 5D framework, highlighting its impact on global innovation and child welfare.

    4 min
  6. Ethical AI for all children

    04/03/2025

    Ethical AI for all children

    In this episode we explores the transformative role of digital technologies and AI in children's lives. Kaan Cetinturk, UNICEF Chief Information Officer, shares insights on how AI can enhance education, healthcare, and digital access for children, particularly those in underserved areas. The conversation also addresses the importance of ethical AI use and bridging the digital divide to ensure equitable access for all children.

    5 min
  7. Using AI to save lives

    03/03/2025

    Using AI to save lives

    Anthony Mockler and Hugo Ruiz Verastegui are data scientists at UNICEF's Data Lab in Bangkok. Discover how their unique backgrounds and experiences in AI and machine learning are driving innovative solutions for humanitarian challenges. From detecting illegal landfills to supporting emergency responses with real-time data, Anthony and Hugo share their journey, motivations, and the impact of their work. Learn about their commitment to open source and digital public goods, and their vision for the future of AI in humanitarian aid.

    5 min
  8. Championing youth volunteering in India with Meri LiFE

    01/29/2025

    Championing youth volunteering in India with Meri LiFE

    Seep Agrawal from UNICEF India talks to Bits&Bytes about Meri LiFE, a climate-related digital platform that has attracted over 25 million users and more than 100k downloads across India. The platform allows young people to put their creative ideas about climate change into action, providing support through training, mentorship, funding, collaboration, and tools to advance climate volunteering.

    3 min
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About

UNICEF Digital Impact official podcast. Our mission: results for children using ​​​​​​cost-effective, innovative, and digitally-enabled solutions. #foreverychild

Information

  • Creator
    UNICEF Digital Technology
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Bits&Bytes the podcast