Episode 3. Insights from the Humanitarian AI Survey 2025: Algorithms, Ethics and the New Humanitarian Aid Machine

Artificial intelligence is no longer just a future concept in humanitarian work — it’s already reshaping how crises are predicted, aid is delivered and decisions are made on the ground.In this episode of the Intelligence Explosion podcast, host Tamim Asey with guests unpack the landmark July 2025 report, “How are humanitarians using artificial intelligence in 2025? Mapping Current Practice and Future Potential.” This is the first global snapshot of AI adoption in the humanitarian sector, co-authored by Ka Man Parkinson (Humanitarian Leadership Academy), Madigan Johnson (Data Friendly Space) and Lucy Hall.Our guests:•Ka Man Parkinson is Communications and Marketing Lead at the Humanitarian Leadership Academy, part of Save the Children UK. She co-led the global study on humanitarian AI adoption and also produces the Fresh Humanitarian Perspectives podcast.•Madigan Johnson is Head of Communication at Data Friendly Space. She specializes in digital strategy, user behavior, and human-centered design, with a focus on responsible and ethical AI in humanitarian action.•Lucy Hall co-led the study alongside Ka Man and Madigan, bringing her expertise to shaping and delivering this pioneering global report.We discuss:•How humanitarian organizations are experimenting with large language models and algorithms in real-world operations.•The opportunities AI offers for crisis response and resource allocation.•The ethical and governance challenges that come with automation and predictive tools.•What the future might hold for accountability, agency, and human oversight in AI-powered humanitarian action.Read the full survey report here: https://www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Initial-insights-report-How-are-humanitarians-using-artificial-intelligence-in-2025-Mapping-current-practice-and-future-potential.pdfTune in for a fascinating discussion at the frontier of technology, ethics and humanitarian futures.