Globe teams up with UN for disaster response
In partnership with a coalition led by the United Nations (UN), Globe Telecom Inc. will leverage artificial intelligence (AI) tools in harnessing data for disaster preparedness and response.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Ayala-led company announced it was the first mobile network operator to team up with the UN Global Pulse’s Data Insights for Social and Humanitarian Action (DISHA) group.
“This multisectoral partnership underscores our commitment to sustainability by leveraging digital technology to enable solutions and inspire collective action towards inclusive sustainable development,” Globe chief sustainability and corporate communications officer Yoly Crisanto said.
PH most at risk
Crisanto said the partnership was crucial given the “Philippines’ vulnerability to the impacts of climate change.”
According to the World Risk Report 2024, the Philippines was cited as the most at-risk country to extreme natural events and climate change.
The UN-led coalition is studying the unexpected population movement in disaster-stricken regions using trends from telecommunications data.
At the same time, it also uses machine learning models that incorporate telecommunications trends and government census data, among others, to determine poverty levels.
Monitoring the data is seen to help humanitarian organizations target areas with the most need during disasters.
“When used responsibly, trends derived from telecommunications data can meaningfully augment operational analytics available to first responders,” said Katya Klinova, head of AI for humanitarian and development use at UN Global Pulse.
Jenny Echevarria, Globe vice president for enterprise data and strategic services, said this mapping solution would also help them identify areas where they need to provide connectivity services when disasters happen.
