In the last twenty years, the use of technologically-produced data has sky-rocketed in the humanitarian and development sector. We are all aware that when used responsibly, these can be a game-changer on many aspects – more informed decision-making, increased efficiency, increased accountability, to name a few.
Yet, as the world is facing an unprecedented global crisis – with multiple dimensions – it is worth asking ourselves to what extent the data solutions we develop in the aid sector to help better understand and respond to the various crises we face, are also contributing to these crises? And in particular, when following the “do no harm” principle that is at the heart of our actions, should we not further assess the environmental side effects of what we do, and not just consider our short-term programming results?
By choosing for its main theme “Do no harm” in the era of environmental emergency: revisiting Information Management in the aid sector, the 2022 GeOnG forum will provide a platform through which aid practitioners can discuss how the humanitarian and development sector can reconsider its Information Management approaches to adjust to the environmental emergency.
On the one hand, we will look into how aid practitioners can play an active role in being part of the solution in revealing and responding to the environmental crisis and its impacts, as well as, on the other hand, how they can embrace technologies and approaches that uphold the “do no environmental harm” motto.
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