LocationsAccelerating Innovation: UNDP Cameroon Staff Explore the Power of AI
September 22, 2025
UNDP Cameroon Staff Explore the Power of AI
In a rapidly evolving digital world, the ability to adapt, innovate, and lead with technology is no longer optional—it’s essential. Recognizing this, the UNDP Cameroon Accelerator Lab recently led a transformative training session titled “AI for the Future of Work”, designed to equip staff with the tools and mindset needed to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their daily workflows and development programming.
This initiative is a direct reflection of the Accelerator Lab’s mission: to explore, test, and scale innovative solutions that can accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By introducing AI as a practical and ethical tool for development, the Lab is helping UNDP Cameroon stay ahead of the curve in a world where digital transformation is reshaping how we work, govern, and deliver impact.
UNDP Cameroon Staff Explore the Power of AI
Why AI Matters for Development
Artificial Intelligence is transforming industries, governments, and communities. In the development sector, AI offers the potential to:
- Automate repetitive tasks and free up time for strategic work
- Analyze large datasets to inform evidence-based decisions
- Improve service delivery through chatbots and digital assistants
- Enhance citizen engagement and transparency
- Support crisis response and resilience-building
For UNDP Cameroon, the integration of AI is not just about efficiency—it’s about amplifying impact, enhancing inclusivity, and future-proofing development efforts.
Training Objectives and Structure
The training, facilitated by the Accelerator Lab, was structured to provide both foundational knowledge and hands-on experience. It covered:
- Introduction to AI and its relevance to UNDP’s work
- Types of AI (Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Computer Vision)
- Real-world applications in UNDP projects globally
- Interactive demos using Microsoft Co-pilot and Canva AI
- Ethical and responsible AI use
- Career upskilling and digital readiness
The session was designed to be inclusive, accessible, and immediately applicable ensuring that staff from all departments could see the relevance of AI in their roles.
UNDP Cameroon Staff Explore the Power of AI
Hands-On Learning: AI in Action
One of the most impactful aspects of the training was its practical orientation. Participants engaged in real-time exercises that demonstrated how AI can streamline and enhance their work.
🧠 Microsoft Co-pilot for Report Drafting
Staff learned how to use Microsoft Co-pilot to generate structured project reports. By inputting key data, the AI tool could draft executive summaries, highlight achievements, and even suggest recommendations—saving valuable time and improving consistency.
🎨 Canva AI for Infographics
With Canva’s Magic Design feature, staff transformed raw data into visually compelling infographics. These tools help communicate complex information in accessible, engaging formats—essential for stakeholder reporting and public outreach.
The Benefits: Why This Training Matters
The training delivered clear and immediate value to participants and the organization as a whole:
- Increased Efficiency: AI tools automate routine tasks, allowing staff to focus on higher-value work.
- Improved Data Use: AI enables faster, more accurate analysis of large datasets.
- Enhanced Communication: Visual and language tools help translate technical content into clear, compelling narratives.
- Crisis Preparedness: AI can support early warning systems and rapid response mechanisms.
- Workforce Readiness: Staff gained exposure to key digital skills, including data literacy, prompt engineering, and critical thinking.
UNDP Cameroon Staff Explore the Power of AI
Ethical and Responsible AI Use
While the training emphasized the power of AI, it also addressed its risks—particularly around bias, transparency, and accountability.
Participants explored real-world case studies, including Amazon’s AI recruitment tool, which was discontinued due to gender bias. They learned how biased data, flawed algorithms, and poor deployment practices can lead to unintended harm—especially for marginalized groups.
The training introduced UNDP’s Digital Principles, which emphasize:
- Inclusivity: Ensuring digital tools are accessible to all
- Transparency: Being open about how AI systems work and are used
- Accountability: Establishing clear roles and responsibilities for digital governance
Staff also learned about different types of bias—data, algorithmic, labeling, and deployment—and how to mitigate them through diverse datasets, human oversight, and fairness metrics.
The Role of the Accelerator Lab
The UNDP Cameroon Accelerator Lab played a central role in designing and delivering this training. As part of UNDP’s global network of innovation labs, the Accelerator Lab is tasked with identifying grassroots solutions, testing new approaches, and scaling what works.
This AI training aligns directly with the Lab’s innovation agenda, which includes:
- Building internal capacity for digital transformation
- Promoting ethical and inclusive technology use
- Fostering a culture of experimentation and learning
- Supporting the co-creation of solutions with communities and partners
By introducing AI tools and frameworks to staff, the Lab is helping UNDP Cameroon become a more agile, data-driven, and future-ready organization.
UNDP Cameroon Staff Explore the Power of AI
Looking Ahead: Continuous Learning and Innovation
The training concluded with a call to action: keep learning, keep experimenting, and keep innovating. Staff were encouraged to explore further learning opportunities through platforms such as:
- Coursera – for foundational AI and machine learning courses
- LinkedIn Learning – for practical, certificate-based modules
- UNDP Digital X – for development-specific digital tools and case studies
- AI Horizon Foundation – for tailored workshops on AI in development
UNDP Cameroon Staff Explore the Power of AI
Conclusion: AI for People and Planet
The “AI for the Future of Work” training is more than a capacity-building exercise—it’s a strategic investment in the future of development work. By equipping staff with the tools, skills, and ethical frameworks to use AI responsibly, UNDP Cameroon is positioning itself at the forefront of inclusive, innovation-driven governance.
As AI continues to evolve, so too must our approaches to development. With the Accelerator Lab leading the charge, UNDP Cameroon is not just adapting to change—it’s shaping it.