“Humanitarian challenges today are global, and so must be the solutions”

2026-07-17 · Source: International Committee of the Red Cross · Field: Government & Public Sector — Public Policy & Governance, Social Services & Welfare, International Relations & Diplomacy · Depth: Intermediate, medium

Summary

The 2025 Beijing Symposium on the Responsible Use of Technology in Humanitarian Action, held in December 2025, brought together over 80 experts from nearly 20 countries. Co-organized by the ICRC's Global Cyber Hub, ICRC's Regional Delegation for East Asia, and Tsinghua University's CISS, the event focused on global humanitarian challenges and technology's role. Discussions highlighted the need for responsible AI safeguards, emphasizing a human-centered approach where AI supports, but does not replace, human decision-making. Participants stressed translating principles into practice through concrete safeguards, robust testing, and accountability across the AI lifecycle. The symposium also underscored the foundational importance of robust digital infrastructure, such as connectivity and power, and the need to avoid dependency on proprietary systems to maintain operational independence and trust in humanitarian efforts. This event deepened engagement with Chinese and Global South perspectives on technology governance.

Key takeaway

For humanitarian organizations adopting new technologies, you must prioritize robust digital infrastructure and human-centered AI governance. Ensure AI systems support, rather than replace, human decision-making, implementing clear safeguards and accountability. Actively seek diverse perspectives, especially from low-resource countries, to develop inclusive governance models. This approach preserves operational independence and trust, minimizing risks of unintended harm in critical humanitarian action.

Key insights

Global humanitarian challenges demand inclusive, human-centered technological solutions guided by robust principles and infrastructure.

Principles

• AI must not replace human decision-making.
• Digital infrastructure is foundational for humanitarian tech.
• Integrate humanitarian principles into technology design.

Method

Translate AI governance principles into practice via concrete safeguards, clear responsibility chains, robust testing, and enforceable accountability across the AI lifecycle.

In practice

• Prioritize robust digital infrastructure in crisis settings.
• Implement human-centered AI governance frameworks.
• Ensure inclusive datasets for AI training.

Topics

• Humanitarian Technology
• AI Governance
• Digital Infrastructure
• ICRC Symposium
• Global South Perspectives
• Responsible AI Use

Best for: Policy Maker, AI Ethicist, Domain Expert

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by International Committee of the Red Cross.