What is the DigitHarium?
The DigitHarium, part of the HDTI, provides a space where humanitarian, diplomatic, academic and technology practitioners can meet to find local and global solutions to today’s digital dilemmas. Humanitarian digital transformation is about putting people first, with technology forming part of the solution to specific humanitarian issues. The needs and aspirations of people who need humanitarian assistance should guide humanitarian action. Similarly, the impact of humanitarian digital solutions and cyber activities on people in need should be monitored and addressed.
The humanitarian data ecosystem is interconnected and no one organization can tackle these challenges single-handedly. The DigitHarium brings together practitioners from different fields, with a range of experience, to build a community of practice that analyses these challenges and develops practicable solutions.
Every month, the DigitHarium discusses a new theme, examining the implications for humanitarian action and exploring solutions. The monthly theme is discussed through three main channels:
1. a monthly digital dilemmas dialogue: a 30-minute discussion between two experts
2. a monthly digital dilemmas debate: a 60-minute round table with a panel of experts, practitioners and other stakeholder groups
3. regular blog articles and podcasts offering a range of perspectives.
Previous discussions
- January theme: Data protection, health emergencies and humanitarian responses
- February theme: Cash and voucher assistance and social protection systems
- March theme: Misinformation, disinformation and hate speech
- April theme: Drones, “eyes in the sky”, and humanitarian operations
- June theme: Connectivity as aid, connectivity for aid and connectivity denial
- August theme: Clarifying the fate of the missing in the digital age
- September theme: Biometrics and humanitarian protection
- October theme: Cyber operations against humanitarian operations
- December theme: Digital identities and humanitarian operations