When crisis strikes, every moment counts.

Rapid, targeted action saves lives, cuts costs, and helps communities recover more quickly. Today, artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing crisis response, making it faster, smarter, and more effective. From real-time damage assessments, to anticipating and monitoring threats, deploying and supporting aid workers on crisis response missions to tackling hate speech and clearing explosives, technology is transforming our crisis response work.

Real-time data to save lives

Accurate, timely information is critical after a crisis. UNDP’s AI-powered Early Recovery Assessment tool, RAPIDA, combines satellite imagery and GIS technology, to provide instant situational awareness. High-resolution imagery is used to detect damage, identify vulnerable populations, and support coordinated interventions within 72 hours of a crisis. These insights guide cost estimation, service prioritization, and recovery planning, enabling aid teams to act with precision. 

Predicting and preventing crises 

UNDP’s Crisis Risk Dashboard leverages near real-time data and AI to monitor threats and predict where crises might strike next. It can be tailored to specific contexts and programme needs. In Sri Lanka, the Crisis Risk Dashboard is used to monitor hate speech, religious violence and macroeconomic issues, while in Ecuador, it tracks displacement and migration. 

Digital tools on the frontlines 

The Early Recovery Hub provides ready-to-use tools for crisis teams. A pilot AI chatbot helps staff access information, co-create plans, and speed up critical decisions on the frontlines.