NetHope's Emerging Technologies Initiative, launched at the 2018 NetHope Global Summit, is a sector-wide approach to responsible and sustainable adoption of innovative technologies such as AI, blockchain, digital identities, and other emerging technologies in the humanitarian, development and conservation sector. 

The initiative aims to build NGO’s internal expertise and capacity to evaluate, develop, procure, and use emerging technologies in their work so they can make informed decisions, improve operational efficiency and  deliver more impact, while anticipating issues that might arise from emerging technologies, and safeguarding the communities they serve.  

The Initiative focuses on three priorities for NetHope members: 

Capacity building  

• Through workshops, webinars, conferences, the NetHope AI and Emerging Technologies Working Group, and the AI Lighthouse, we share practical insights on new technology capabilities, tools, and practical use cases. 

Practical toolkits & standards  

• Designed to support responsible, sustainable and consistent implementation of emerging technologies in humanitarian, development, and conservation contexts. 

Implementation Support and Advocacy 

• We facilitate access to technical expertise, partnerships, and funding to pilot and scale promising innovations, and work with our Members to provide input to legislation and governance frameworks. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) 

AI is a core component of NetHope’s Digital Transformation and Innovation pillar.  All of our AI-related resources, toolkits, and discussions are now housed on the AI Lighthouse page.

Please visit the AI Lighthouse for: 

• AI toolkits and frameworks
• Articles and blogs
• Case studies and webinars
• AI Working Group information   

NetHope members can join the AI Working Group here. 

Other Emerging Technologies

Digital Identity

• Article: The Future of ‘Good’ Identity 
• Webinar: Achieving ‘Good’ Digital ID at Scale with Technical Requirements 
• Webinar: Digital Identity in the Humanitarian Space

Blockchain and Digital Currencies 

• Webinar: Impact of Digital Currencies on the Nonprofit Sector 
• Case Study: Field Trials of Blockchain-Enabled Cash Transfers in West Nile, Uganda 
• Outcome document: Blockchain for Social Good Event co-hosted by NetHope and ICSC in New York  

Robotics 

• Webinar: Harnessing the Power of Robotics for Social Good 
• Webinar: From Flights to Maps: Humanitarian Drone Applications with Esri Drone2Map 

Virtual Reality 

• Report: Field Testing of Virtual Reality Mindfulness and Relaxation Therapy in Iraq - NetHope 

3D Printing 

• Report: 3D Printing for Assistive Technologies: Lessons learned from field technology testing 

The key component to a successful initiative is collaboration. If you would like to join the conversation on emerging technologies, or are interested in supporting this initiative, please contact us. 

If you work for a NetHope Member organization you can access additional information on the AI and Emerging Technologies Working Group page (login required).