Globe has become the first mobile network operator to join the United Nations Global Pulse’s Data Insights for Social and Humanitarian Action (DISHA) initiative. This partnership uses AI-powered data to improve disaster preparedness and response, especially in the Philippines, one of the world’s most disaster-prone nations.
DISHA’s pilot run recently launched in the Philippines, where 74% of the population is at risk from floods, cyclones, earthquakes, tsunamis, and landslides.
“Given the Philippines’ vulnerability to the impacts of climate change, Globe is honored to be the first telecommunications company to join the DISHA coalition. This multi-sectoral partnership underscores our commitment to sustainability by leveraging digital technology to enable solutions and inspire collective action towards inclusive sustainable development,” said Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer at Globe.
The DISHA program addresses delays in aid caused by manual assessments. It introduces a dynamic Socio-Economic Mapping solution, developed with McKinsey & Company and QuantumBlack, that uses AI and telecom data to guide response efforts.
Key features include:
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Population Movement Heatmap – Detects sudden population shifts in disaster areas using near real-time data trends.
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Poverty Nowcasting – Uses machine learning to update poverty levels based on government census data and anonymized telecom signals.
These tools help responders deliver aid more quickly and efficiently to affected communities.
“We’re excited to welcome Globe Telecom to the DISHA Partner community and look forward to working side-by-side with Globe and humanitarian agencies operating in the Philippines to validate and scale the DISHA Socio-Economic Mapping solution in the country. When used responsibly, trends derived from telecommunications data can meaningfully augment operational analytics available to first responders. We thank Globe for recognizing this potential and investing with us in making this a reality,” said Katya Klinova, Head of AI for Humanitarian and Development Use at UN Global Pulse.
The collaboration also supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 11 on sustainable cities and communities and Goal 13 on climate action.
“Our partnership with DISHA provides a crucial data-for-good solution that will enable disaster management agencies and partner organizations to deliver life-saving aid to those who need it the most. Because connectivity is essential in those first critical hours after a disaster, DISHA’s Socio-Economic Mapping solution allows Globe to proactively prioritize service availability in shelter areas to enable recovery,” said Jenny Echevarria, VP for Enterprise Data and Strategic Services at Globe.
Catholic Relief Services, the Philippine Red Cross, and Oxfam have helped improve the DISHA dashboard by giving usability feedback. The beta testing phase is now expanding, and local humanitarian groups are encouraged to participate in validating the solution.
The 2024 GSMA SDG Impact Report has recognized DISHA’s innovation and Globe’s vital role as its data partner in the Philippines.
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