We always say that AI doesn’t come with an inherent purpose. And while its costs are evident, often enough the benefits are not, especially when it only serves the privileged and amplifies societal divides.
Yet, we believe that AI, when put in the right hands, can be revolutionary. Today’s AI is leverage: it amplifies the impact of limited resources and expands the horizon of what’s possible, making problems that once felt impossible suddenly within reach.
That’s the essence of our collaboration with MSF. Today, in Rome, we’re celebrating a major milestone in this journey: the conclusion of the first AI training cycle and the start of next year’s roadmap.
AI isn’t a plug-and-play tool. Responsible integration in a large, international organisation like MSF is a structured process, involving many actors and multiple iterations.
It starts with understanding which processes to target and toward which outcomes. It requires clarity on AI and data readiness across infrastructure and workforce literacy. And it demands an informed evaluation of technical challenges, feasibility, and the risks that come with deploying AI in high-stakes contexts.
During this first phase of the collaboration, we worked closely with MSF innovation managers and digital ambassadors. This led to the co-development and delivery of AI training courses covering both tech and regulation, progress on organisational AI policy and governance, and a multi-year roadmap. The roadmap spans engagement with MSF staff across roles, collaboration with operational centres, and applied and open research projects.
We always say that AI doesn’t come with an inherent purpose. We believe that, in the hands of Doctors Without Borders, AI finds its purpose.