Overview

Objectives

At the end of the course, you will be able to:

  • Classify different forms of AI currently used in humanitarian responses and determine the risks involved
  • Assess the promises and limits of AI-driven solutions in humanitarian contexts and formulate operational recommendations
  • Propose mitigation strategies for the ethical, political, and operational risks associated with AI, including bias, exclusion, surveillance, and data extraction
  • Define organisational responsibilities and governance mechanisms related to AI use
  • Design context-sensitive, responsible, and realistic approaches to AI adoption

Audience

• Professionals in the humanitarian, development or peacebuilding sectors involved in programme design, decision-making, governance, protection, data management, or innovation (i.e. programme managers and coordinators, policy advisors, innovation managers, security advisors, risk analysts, advocacy managers, etc.)
• Practitioners who are required to assess, evaluate, critically engage with AI-based tools and partnerships, rather than develop technical solutions themselves (i.e. protection and community engagement officers, CVA specialists, MEAL managers, early warning specialists, compliance officers, etc.)

Programme

Structure of the course

  • What do we mean by AI in humanitarian action?
  • Promises of AI: solutionism, techno-optimism and anticipatory governance
  • Concrete uses of AI (assessment, communication, prediction)
  • Working responsibly with the private sector and AI providers
  • Digital risks: bias, discrimination, and systemic harm
  • Surveillance, protection, and digital violence
  • Governance, accountability, and organisational responsibility
  • Mitigation strategies and operational recommendations for responsible innovation

Registration

Registration deadline

12 April 2026

Fees:

  • Full price: CHF 1’700 

  • Partner rate (MSF, ICRC): CHF 1’360 (20% discount) 

  • Special Rate: CHF 850. Available exclusively to nationals or staff from local/national NGOs, CBOs, government, INGOs, or IOs in low/middle-income countries (OECD DAC list) with salaries aligned to local living costs. Proof required.

  • Application form for partial tuition waivers

  • No scholarships are available.

Admission criteria

  • University qualification (bachelor’s degree or equivalent)
  • At least three years of relevant professional experience
  • Excellent command of English

Application File

  • CV (Resume) 
  • Cover letter (explaining what is the reason why you apply for this course and how will the acquired skills help you in your career) 
  • Employer’s funding agreement, if applicable 
  • Partial tuition fee waiver form, if applicable 
  • Highest educational qualification obtained 
  • Work certificate or official document of your current job position 
  • Proof of English language competence to be dated less than 2 years (see details below) 
  • Portrait photo (ID format) 
  • Scanned copy of the passport 

More information about the application process is available on our admissions page.

Cancellation Policy

Please consult our cancellation policy.

Curriculum

Period

4 May 2026 - 15 May 2026

Credits

2 ECTS credits

Teaching hours

50 distance teaching hours

Testimonial

"It wasn’t just another training; it felt like a doorway into the next generation of humanitarian practice. Learning directly from practitioners and experts redefining the field, the course offered an honest, critical look at digital innovation, from biometrics and data collection to the deeper questions of data stewardship, surveillance, and responsibility to affected communities."

Gian Libot, 2023 course participant

Director(s)

Prof. Karl BLANCHET, Geneva Centre of Humanitarian Studies, University of Geneva

Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals

Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

FAQ