Crisis Response

How might we use #tech4good to support vulnerable populations in times of crises?

Supported by UNDP Crisis Bureau | UNDP Chief Digital Office | Government of Japan

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Why

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Conflicts and crises have become more complex and protracted, imperiling the stability of people and communities. Digital technology can improve people and institutions' resilience, so they can cope, react, adapt, and be informed in times of crisis and recovery. In 2006, UNDP launched its Immediate Crisis Response Initiative (SURGE) to respond more quickly and effectively in the recovery phase of a conflict or disaster. With over 500+ deployments in 50+ countries, and 300+ SURGE Advisors, UNDP is ready for immediate deployment and looking for proven digital solutions to aid in humanity’s darkest hours.

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The #Crisis Response Challenge

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The Global #CrisisResponse Challenge calls for proven, ‘ready-to-scale’ digital solutions that UNDP can use to support communities, with an emphasis on vulnerable populations in times of crisis or for recovery. Solutions should address the broad question: How might we use #tech4good to support vulnerable populations in times of crisis?

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Types of digital solutions we are looking for:

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  • Support people on the move (refugees, migrants, and internally displaced people), including mapping needs, support their integration or return, etc.
  • Tech that can provide safe internet connections in hard-to-reach areas.
  • ‘Out of the box’ digital solutions for core government functions, especially linked to rapid continuity of government institutions in times of crisis.
  • Digital tools that can be used by governments to prepare, anticipate, respond, and/or recover from crises.
  • Digital tools to reduce misinformation and hate speech on social media.
  • Drones to estimate damages in infrastructure and buildings, land, and remote sensing to estimate impact of disasters.
  • 3D printers to produce critical tools in crisis settings.  
  • Blockchain solutions for cash for work and cash transfer.
  • Blockchain solutions for logistic problems and value chain management.
  • Digital identification of IDP (Internally Displaced People) and refugees using blockchain, and other related applications.
  • Creating blockchain templates for rapid response in crisis, aimed at making it easier for developers to create blockchain-based apps, products or services via open-source frameworks.
  • Digitalization and new digital services, e.g. telemedicine.  
  • Digital tools that help analyze situations in real time to support evidence-based policy making (e.g. tracking gender-based violence cases including conflict-related sexual violence and collecting gender-responsive conflict data).
  • Digital tools that support the reactivation of markets, resilient livelihoods, employment, transitions to renewable energy, and women’s economic empowerment.
  • Digital tools for disaster recovery planning and coordination.
  • Digital tools to support access to crop insurance targeting women from the informal sector.

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Learn more about the selection criteria, timeline, eligibility, and application process on our FAQ here.

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Get started with the FAQ & apply!

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