By Soumoshree Mukherjee
Editor’s note: This article is based on insights from a podcast series. The views expressed in the podcast reflect the speakers’ perspectives and do not necessarily represent those of this publication. Readers are encouraged to explore the full podcast for additional context.
In a world grappling with crises from climate change to humanitarian emergencies, Lambert Hogenhout, the Chief of Data and AI at the United Nations, is steering artificial intelligence to serve humanity’s greatest needs. In a recent episode of the CAIO Connect podcast, Hogenhout shared his journey from managing tech for tsunami relief to leading AI initiatives that transform lives globally. His insights offer a blueprint for organizations aiming to balance innovation with responsibility.
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Hogenhout’s career began in the chaos of humanitarian affairs, where he deployed technology to aid communities hit by earthquakes and civil wars. “I started out in humanitarian affairs. So dealing with all the emergencies in the world, the tsunamis and earthquakes, civil wars,” he recalled, a role that grounded his belief in tech’s potential for good. Over a decade ago, he shifted to data analytics, embracing tools like machine learning and, later, generative AI. Today, as AI permeates every corner of the UN, Hogenhout sees it not as a niche tool but a mindset. Emphasizing its transformative reach, he said that in a few years, AI will be in everything, word processors, finance systems, even farming advice.
A critical part of Hogenhout’s mission is education. The UN’s data literacy program, which has trained about 20% of staff, aims to democratize AI understanding. He believes that the goal isn’t to turn everyone into data scientists, it’s about enabling all staff to think critically about where and how AI can help. That includes management, who need not be coders, but must grasp AI’s strategic potential and its risks. At the UN, AI is already making tangible impacts. Hogenhout highlighted initiatives like optimizing food delivery trucks in crises, analyzing hours of security footage, and guiding farmers on when to plant crops for better yields. These are changing lives for instance, AI-driven agricultural insights help farmers boost productivity, directly supporting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on poverty and food security.
Yet, leading AI in a global organization comes with challenges. Hogenhout pushes for more localization in AI development. He navigates a maze of cultural sensitivities and fragmented regulations across 193 member states. Most large language models, he notes, are biased toward English and Chinese content. For example, if you ask for a picture of breakfast, you’ll likely get bacon and eggs, but 90% of the world eats a very different breakfast. “That’s a very limited view of the world, and that that needs to change,” he emphasizes promoting AI that reflects diverse languages and cultures is essential for global inclusivity. He suggests strategic planning and ethical frameworks. Two years ago, he spearheaded UN-wide AI principles rooted in human rights and humanitarian law, ensuring AI aligns with the organization’s values.
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For leaders aiming to scale AI within their own organizations, His advice is clear: focus on people, not just tech. His UN data literacy program has trained 20% of staff worldwide, democratizing AI knowledge. Technology changes fast, organizational readiness is what makes or breaks AI adoption. So it’s better to realize the impact and to give the people some education, so they can use it sensibly, also are aware of the limitations, the risks.
In a world racing toward automation, Hogenhout remains a steady advocate for a slower, more thoughtful path, one that prioritizes ethics, inclusion, and impact. He is a firm believer of build awareness and processes—tech will sort itself out.
Hogenhout’s final message stands to be — responsible AI isn’t a barrier to innovation; it’s the foundation for its success, ensuring technology serves humanity’s shared future.