AI for Good? Navigating Innovation, Participation, and Impact in Humanitarian Work

Harvard Center for International Development

Artificial Intelligence is transforming humanitarian aid—but what does responsible, community-centered innovation really look like? In this episode we explore how AI is being applied across CARE’s work in humanitarian and development contexts, from real-time needs assessment to amplifying women’s voices during crises. Emily Janoch, with nearly two decades of experience in systems design and evidence-based learning, shares how CARE is using AI to drive dignity-focused development. Joining her is Kalkidan Lakew, whose work emphasizes the importance of data-driven storytelling and community-led response. Together, they shed light on the challenges of bias, access, and misinformation in AI—and what it means to use this powerful tool ethically and inclusively. Whether you're an AI enthusiast, a development practitioner, or simply curious about the intersection of tech and global impact, this conversation offers grounded insights into what “AI for good” really means in practice. Guests: Emily Janoch, Associate Vice President for Thought Leadership and Design at CARE | Kalkidan (Kal) Lakew, Program Coordinator at CARE Student Host: Ritul Madhukar