- Daniela Gutierrez-Torres
Intermediate
Event Organizer(s)
Description
In recent years, the world has faced more frequent, complex and severe crises, driving a growing demand for humanitarian assistance. At the same time, mobile connectivity has become almost universal. This convergence presents a critical opportunity to harness mobile technology for humanitarian action.
Today, 3.8 billion active mobile subscribers live in low- and middle-income countries. Among them are more than 400 million people affected by humanitarian crises. For these individuals, digital technology can be life-changing — providing critical support and access to vital services. To unlock its full potential, policymakers and regulators must understand how effective policy and regulatory frameworks can enable mobile technology to support humanitarian efforts.
This course examines the critical roles of policymakers and mobile network operators in disaster response management. Participants will explore how emerging technologies—such as mobile big data, artificial intelligence, and other innovative tools—can be leveraged to enhance humanitarian action. The course also emphasises the importance of developing robust National Emergency Telecommunications (NET) Plans and Early Warning Systems to strengthen disaster prediction and preparedness. It also highlights emerging partnership models and forward-thinking approaches that are transforming the humanitarian landscape.
Target population
This course is open to:
- Regulators
- Policymakers
- Representatives from academia and international organisations working on regulatory or policy issues
We cannot accept applications from individuals working in the private sector or those not involved in policy or regulation.
Kindly note this course is restricted to users who meet the following criterial:
Entry requirements
None. Participants do not need prior knowledge to take this course.
Learning objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will:
- Learn how improved coordination between mobile operators, governments, regulatory authorities and the humanitarian community can mitigate risks during times of crisis.
- Discover how regulators around the world are adopting flexible approaches to policies and regulation during emergencies to positively impact response efforts.
- Understand and explore how mobile platforms can digitise humanitarian aid delivery channels through innovative case studies.
- Explore the importance of emerging tech, NET plans and Early Warning Systems in disaster preparedness and recovery.
Methodology
The course will include instructor-led presentations, case study discussion, reflective exercises, tutor/participants discussion and submission of an essay.
Assessment and grading
The training will be assessed with the participants’ attendance to the sessions a final test consisting of the submission of an essay with a pass grade of 80%.
Please submit an essay (500-700 words) summarising the use of mobile technology for emergencies and humanitarian situations in your country, and how this could be improved. This could cover, for example:
- Are there particular hazards your country faces?
- How widely used are mobile phones and mobile internet?
- Is there a mobile-enabled Early Warning System in place? Which stakeholders are involved in its design and management?
- Is there a National Emergency Telecommunication Plan in place?
- Are there any policy or regulatory barriers towards digital inclusion and the use of mobile technology for humanitarian contexts? How is inclusion considered?
- How are mobile operators involved in these areas?
- What new policies could be put in place?
Please include relevant references to regulations (if applicable) or other key sources used to support your essay.
Activity Weighting (%)
Day 1 Training :15%
Day 2 Training :15%
Final project : 70%
Total :100%
A total score of 70% or higher is required to obtain the ITU certificate
Certificate of completion
Upon completion, you will receive an ITU Academy certificate confirming that you have met the course requirements and achieved the learning outcomes.
Training details and instructional approach
Day 1 | 10:00–10:30 (BST)
Session 1: An Introduction to Mobile Technology for Humanitarian Emergencies
- Introduces the role of mobile technology in humanitarian preparedness, response and recovery, including the GSMA Mobile for Humanitarian Innovation (M4H) programme.
- Explores the role of mobile operators as critical infrastructure providers and the operational and regulatory challenges they face during crises.
Day 1 | 10:30–11:30 (BST)
Session 2: The Role of Policy and Regulation
- Examines the policy and regulatory environment that enables emergency telecommunications, including regulatory flexibility, operational challenges and stakeholder coordination.
- Introduces the Humanitarian Connectivity Charter and the role of national and regional preparedness and response mechanisms.
Day 1 | 11:30–12:00 (BST)
Session 3: National Emergency Telecommunication Plans (NET Plans)
- Introduces National Emergency Telecommunication (NET) Plans, their development and implementation, and the role of mobile operators in maintaining communications during disasters.
- Explores business continuity planning, resilient telecommunications infrastructure and interoperable emergency communications.
Day 1 | 12:00–13:30 (BST)
Session 4: Early Warning Systems (EWS)
- Explores mobile-enabled Early Warning Systems and their contribution to disaster preparedness under the UN Early Warnings for All initiative.
- Examines the policy and regulatory frameworks needed to support effective, people-centred early warning systems.
Day 2 | 10:00–11:00 (BST)
Session 5: Emerging Technology, Mobile Big Data and AI
- Introduces emerging technologies, including AI, mobile big data and satellite connectivity, and their application in humanitarian action.
- Examines responsible innovation, data governance, privacy and ethical considerations for the use of emerging technologies.
Day 2 | 11:00–12:00 (BST)
Session 6: Digital Financial Services (DFS)
- Explores mobile money as a mechanism for humanitarian cash assistance and financial inclusion in crisis settings.
- Examines regulatory flexibility, inclusive digital identity, public-private collaboration and barriers to mobile money adoption.
Day 2 | 12:00–13:00 (BST)
Session 7: Inclusion in Digital Humanitarian Action
- Explores barriers to digital inclusion in humanitarian contexts and their impact on access to digital services.
- Examines policy and regulatory approaches to promoting equitable, inclusive and accessible digital humanitarian action.
Registration information
Unless specified otherwise, all ITU Academy training courses are open to all interested professionals, irrespective of their race, ethnicity, age, gender, religion, economic status and other diverse backgrounds. We strongly encourage registrations from female participants, and participants from developing countries. This includes least developed countries, small island developing states and landlocked developing countries.
