Globe Partners with UN to Use AI for Disaster Response in the Philippines

Globe Telecom has become the first telco to join the United Nations Global Pulse’s Data Insights for Social and Humanitarian Action (DISHA) coalition — a groundbreaking initiative that leverages AI to enhance disaster preparedness and humanitarian response.

The partnership, made through a pro bono agreement, comes as the Philippines continues to face frequent natural disasters, making it a prime pilot location for DISHA’s AI-driven solutions.

“Joining DISHA reflects our deep commitment to sustainability and resilience. With the Philippines being highly vulnerable to climate impacts, Globe is proud to help pioneer digital solutions that drive inclusive, sustainable development,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer.

Developed with McKinsey & Company and its AI unit QuantumBlack, DISHA features tools like Socio-Economic Mapping, which uses telecom data for real-time population movement heatmaps — aiding responders in crisis areas.

Another feature, Poverty Nowcasting, employs machine learning models trained on government census and telecom data to provide updated insights into poverty levels, helping agencies prioritize aid.

“When responsibly applied, telecom data can be a powerful tool for first responders,” said Katya Klinova, head of AI for humanitarian and development use at UN Global Pulse. “We are grateful to Globe for taking this leap with us.”