John Wood : Leveraging technology for humanitarian good is the new normal

The capacity of technology to drive positive change in the world, along with humanitarian and sustainable development goals, is ever increasing. Especially following the pandemic, we are aware of the power that technology can have for good. This is one of many vital topics that will be discussed at this week's annual World Humanitarian Forum, held as a digital roundtable in London on 19 to 20 May. The World Humanitarian Forum (WHF) is the largest and most inclusive nonpartisan forum in humanitarian aid and international development, and functions as the intersection of the United Nations (UN) and the private sector.

Alongside representatives from the World Food Program, Microsoft and UNICEF, I will be speaking about leveraging technology in humanitarian organisations, including funding and implementation challenges. The role of technology has evolved, particularly in this past year. As we build back better, it is key that environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles are embedded in the core design of new technology solutions. Furthermore, these solutions need to be inclusive, scalable and affordable.

Due to the great reset caused by COVID-19, we now can ingrain the concept of doing good into our business and lifestyle practices. As a member of the advisory board on technology for good at the World Humanitarian Forum and a co-founder of SDG Ambition with the UN Global Compact, I am dedicated to integrating technology to achieve humanitarian goals as part of our daily practice at Wood.

Wood is partnering with the United Nations Environment Programme to support the development and delivery of climate risk assessments and national adaptation plans across the Asia Pacific and MENA region, supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7, 9, and 13. Collectively these projects will enhance national governments' understanding of climate change risks and vulnerabilities through improved data, innovative modelling and assessment. This will enable more proactive planning to mitigate natural and manmade disasters and improve protection of assets that will provide a resilient future.

We are using a wide range of innovative digital tools to communicate climate and environmental risks, including interactive geographic information system (GIS) dashboards which we previously developed for the World Bank and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. We will also apply our DecisionVue Options software, an advanced decision support system to facilitate option appraisal and adaptation planning.

Register for free to participate in the World Humanitarian Forum and listen to critical global conversations on driving humanitarian aid and international development.