Redefining Humanitarian Narratives and the Role of AI: Insights from Lars Peter Nissen (ACAPS)

Founded in 2009, ACAPS is an independent organization dedicated to providing analytical insights to humanitarian workers, influencers, fundraisers, and donors. With a team of almost 130 analysts, ACAPS offers three types of analysis: monthly datasets comparing crises, deep-dive qualitative studies, and forward-looking analyses for horizon scanning. Their work, funded by donors and publicly available under a Creative Commons license, aims to enhance decision-making and response effectiveness in disaster scenarios.

Lars Peter Nissen began his journey in humanitarian work as a 19-year-old volunteer in El Salvador during the 1989 war, driven by a desire to show solidarity with those affected by conflict. His early experience as a Peace Guard, offering protection through presence, shaped his understanding of crisis response. With a background in political science and extensive field experience with organizations like the Red Cross and various NGOs, Nissen transitioned from on-the-ground operations to leading ACAPS in 2009. His deep commitment to improving humanitarian action through data and analysis has guided his career, making him a leading figure in the sector.

In a recent interview with Tech To The Rescue, Nissen shared his thought-provoking perspectives on the evolving landscape of humanitarian work, focusing on the implications of how we describe and manage crises. 

Rethinking the “Hero” Narrative

Asked about how he reacts to the “hero” term and connotation that is often associated with the impact sectors, Nissen says he is critical of the term “hero” often used to describe humanitarian workers. He believes this label fosters an unhealthy savior complex that undermines the agency of those affected by crises. “I don’t like the label at all. I think it’s unhealthy. I think it speaks to sort of a savior thing. We are flying in from outside to save the world, like heroes,” Nissen stated emphatically.

He argues that this narrative positions humanitarian workers at the center of the solution, rather than empowering the affected populations. By shifting the focus from “heroes” to “change agents” or “trouble breakers,” Nissen advocates for a narrative that recognizes the resilience and capabilities of crisis-affected communities. “If we as humanitarians have ourselves and not the people affected by crises as the main protagonists, I think we get it wrong, and we deprive the people we are serving of agency,” he explained.

Navigating the Complexities of AI in Humanitarian Work

At ACAPS, the impact work is centered on providing comprehensive, reliable, and actionable data to inform decision-making and enhance the effectiveness of humanitarian responses. That is also what drove their attention toward the AI for Changemakers program, where selected nonprofit organizations boost their AI competencies and get pro-bono tech help to develop AI solutions to boost their impact. 

Nissen delved into the complex role of AI in humanitarian work. While acknowledging its potential to revolutionize data analysis and decision-making, he raised concerns about the inherent biases in AI systems and the risk of misuse. 

“The people we deal with are some of the most marginalized in the world. And, you know, AI builds on the collective knowledge of humankind, and I don’t think the people we deal with have a very loud voice in that.” he pointed out. 

This bias can marginalize the very populations humanitarian efforts aim to support, making it crucial to approach AI with caution. Furthermore, Nissen highlighted the danger of AI being used to disseminate misinformation and disinformation, which can exacerbate conflicts. “A very real reality that I’m afraid we might see quite a bit of in the future,” he warned, referring to the potential for AI-generated false information to incite violence and unrest.

Moving Forward with Caution and Empathy

Despite the challenges, Nissen remains optimistic about the future of humanitarian work. He emphasizes the need for narratives that empower affected populations and a careful, thoughtful approach to integrating AI. His experience and insights serve as a crucial reminder of the importance of empathy, context, and critical thinking in addressing global crises. 

As Nissen aptly summed up, “We really have to think and reflect on how we shape the humanitarian narrative and how that guides us.” By reevaluating our narratives and responsibly leveraging technology, the humanitarian sector can better serve those in need, ensuring that every action taken is both impactful and ethical. What’s more, to underline his belief in the need for technology for good, Nissen sees his organization as being on the verge of a real identity and value position shift.  

“I think we should start thinking of ourselves as a tech company. This is the only way in which we can make an impact which scales together with the scale of the problems.”. 

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ACAPS is one of the 10 selected organizations for the Disaster Management cohort of the AI for Changemakers Accelerator Program, organized by the Tech To The Rescue Foundation, with support from AWS and Google.org. 

Is your organization ready to join the AI revolution? Find out more about the program, and apply as an NGO in one of the upcoming cohorts.