Helping disaster response teams turn AI into action across Asia

2026-03-17 · Source: OpenAI News · Field: Government & Public Sector — Public Safety & Security, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Public Policy & Governance · Depth: Intermediate, short

Summary

OpenAI, in partnership with the Gates Foundation, the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC), and DataKind, hosted its inaugural "AI Jam for Disaster Management professionals" in Bangkok on March 29, 2026. This workshop brought together 50 disaster management leaders from 13 countries across Southeast and South Asia, including Bangladesh, India, and the Philippines, to explore practical applications of AI in disaster response. The initiative aims to help governments and nonprofits integrate AI into their operational challenges, moving beyond theoretical interest to real-world solutions. Participants focused on building custom GPTs and reusable workflows for tasks like situation reporting, needs assessment, and public communication, emphasizing responsible AI use. This effort builds on the expansion of OpenAI's "OpenAI for Countries Program" and addresses the growing disaster risks in Asia, which accounts for an estimated 75% of people affected globally.

Key takeaway

For disaster management leaders and policymakers in Asia, the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters necessitate integrating AI into response protocols. You should prioritize public-private partnerships and invest in AI literacy to develop practical, accessible tools like custom GPTs for critical functions such as situation reporting and public communication, ensuring these solutions are tailored to on-the-ground operational needs.

Key insights

AI offers critical tools for enhancing disaster response efficiency and effectiveness in resource-constrained environments.

Principles

• Public-private collaboration strengthens disaster preparedness.
• Accessible AI is the most powerful AI.
• AI tools must be grounded in real-world needs.

Method

The "AI Jam" approach involves direct collaboration between AI mentors and disaster professionals to build custom GPTs and reusable workflows for specific operational challenges like situation reporting and needs assessment.

In practice

• Develop custom GPTs for specific disaster tasks.
• Integrate AI into early warning systems.
• Use AI for improved risk mapping.

Topics

• AI for Disaster Management
• Custom GPTs
• Southeast Asia
• Public-Private Collaboration
• Disaster Preparedness

Best for: Executive, Operations Professional, Domain Expert, Director of AI/ML

Related on AIssential

• Ebola outbreak requires multifaceted response — Global challenges demand integrated, proactive responses, while rapid AI advancement necessitates urgent safety and infrastructure considerations.
• Can AI Help Save Lives? — AI significantly enhances public safety by automating routine tasks and augmenting emergency response capabilities.
• The 50-State Plan: Public-Private Models for AI Infrastructure and University Transformation — AI's rapid, broad impact necessitates urgent integration into higher education infrastructure, curriculum, and regional economic development.
• Bringing ChatGPT to GenAI.mil — OpenAI is deploying a secure, custom ChatGPT for U.S. Department of War personnel on GenAI.mil.
• How AI is helping fight the latest Ebola outbreak — AI offers a cost-effective, data-driven approach to enhance public health emergency response and routine healthcare in Africa.
• Rewiring the State — Eoin Mulgrew, No. 10 (Downing Street) — Small, empowered technical teams with political backing can rapidly deploy AI solutions to address public sector challenges.

Open in AIssential →

Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by OpenAI News.