In a groundbreaking move, Globe has become the first mobile network operator (MNO) to partner with the UN Global Pulse’s Data Insights for Social and Humanitarian Action (DISHA) coalition, leveraging AI-driven data to enhance disaster preparedness and response.
The initiative, which recently launched its pilot in the Philippines—one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries—aims to address the urgent need for accurate and timely information in disaster-stricken areas. The Philippines is particularly vulnerable, with 74% of its population at risk from various natural disasters including floods, cyclones, earthquakes, tsunamis, and landslides.
“Given the Philippines’ vulnerability to climate change impacts, Globe is honored to be the first telecommunications company to join the DISHA coalition. This partnership highlights our commitment to sustainability and our efforts to use digital technology to drive solutions and promote collective action toward sustainable development,” said Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer at Globe.
In many disaster situations, local organizations still rely on manual assessments, which can delay aid distribution. The DISHA initiative seeks to address this by utilizing AI-driven tools like the Socio-Economic Mapping solution, developed in collaboration with McKinsey & Company and QuantumBlack, an AI arm of McKinsey.
One key feature, the Population Movement heatmap, uses telecom data to track unexpected population movement in real-time in disaster-affected regions. Another feature, Poverty Nowcasting, uses machine learning models trained on government census data, telecom trends, and other anonymized signals to continuously update poverty levels, ensuring that aid reaches those most in need.
“We are thrilled to welcome Globe Telecom into the DISHA Partner community and look forward to collaborating closely to scale this solution in the Philippines,” said Katya Klinova, Head of AI for Humanitarian and Development Use at UN Global Pulse. “Telecommunications data, when used responsibly, can significantly enhance the operational analytics available to first responders.”
Globe’s partnership with DISHA underscores the critical role digital connectivity plays in advancing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in disaster management. “By joining DISHA, Globe is helping to provide a data-for-good solution that supports disaster management agencies in delivering life-saving aid to those who need it most,” said Jenny Echevarria, VP for Enterprise Data and Strategic Services at Globe. “DISHA’s tools allow us to prioritize service availability in areas such as shelters, facilitating faster recovery.”
Additionally, humanitarian organizations such as Catholic Relief Services, the Philippine Red Cross, and Oxfam have contributed to improving the DISHA dashboard by offering valuable feedback on its usability.
The pilot program in the Philippines is expanding, and humanitarian groups are encouraged to participate in testing and validating the solution.
The 2024 GSMA SDG Impact Report recognizes DISHA’s innovative approach and highlights Globe’s pivotal role as its data partner in the Philippine pilot. This initiative supports UN Sustainable Development Goals 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and 13 (Climate Action).
For more information, visit Globe’s website and DISHA’s platform.
