How are humanitarians using AI in 2026? Launching the next phase of our research

Tracking trends in artificial intelligence adoption across the humanitarian sector through a new pulse survey

To mark the launch of the January 2026 pulse survey, Ka Man Parkinson and Lucy Hall from the Humanitarian Leadership Academy, and Madigan Johnson from Data Friendly Space discuss this next phase of their groundbreaking humanitarian AI research.

Building on insights from their foundational 2025 study with responses from over 2,500 humanitarians across 144 countries and territories, the team is launching a short survey to track any shifts in key areas of AI adoption across the sector in 2026. 

In this conversation, they reflect on the 'humanitarian AI paradox' that was revealed in the baseline study as well as real-world impact of the research to date. They share what they hope to learn in this next phase of research – from what is happening with organisational pilots to emerging use cases.

Tune in to learn about how your participation in the new 5-minute pulse survey - open between 12-31 January 2026 – can help the sector understand and navigate AI adoption during this period of unprecedented change.

💬 "What really struck me from our research last year is what we termed the humanitarian AI paradox – 93% of humanitarians use AI tools, with about 70% using AI daily or weekly, but only 8% actually work in organisations where AI is widely integrated." – Madigan Johnson

 💬 "A survey can have this real-world impact that's grounded in evidence. If we can be of service to the sector with everyone's help by filling in the survey, just think what can happen – this really motivates us in our mission to support locally-led humanitarian action." – Ka Man Parkinson

💬 "This is a space where real stories, real evidence is really shaping an emerging sector. It's your voice that matters, we're the vessel to channel your voice through." – Lucy Hall

Visit the episode webpage for the survey link, show notes including episode transcript, speaker bios and links. The survey will be open between 12-31 January 2026 with insights shared from February.

www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources/how-are-humanitarians-using-ai-in-2026-launching-the-next-phase-of-our-research

Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources

The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations.