Current Situation
The number of forcibly displaced people has reached 100 million for the first time on record. The number of people displaced by weather-related disasters, famine, and unemployment is rising. The IEP estimates that there could be 1.2 billion climate refugees by 2050. Supporting these populations will increasingly be part of governments’ responsibilities with cities and local governments at the forefront of the response. Technology can play a role in improving the lives of refugees, from providing more efficient identity verification to improving access to healthcare and employment.
Goals and Objectives
To support and empower these populations, host countries need to increase their operational and digital resilience. Technology is not the panacea, but it can play a role — for example, telehealth services, multilingual chatbots, job and resource platforms, and data-driven monitoring of people trafficking networks.
Technology Deployed
Broadband connectivity, 5G, CRM and communication platforms, chatbots, data management, data analytics (including AI and ML), telehealth, hybrid learning, digital identity, and cloud computing
Use Case Summary
Technology can be used in a variety of ways by cities and their stakeholders to better manage and support internally or externally displaced populations. It can be applied at each stage of their journey, starting with short-term needs such as registration, food and water, shelter, and connectivity to longer-term needs such as education and joining the labor market. Digital identity and data sharing are foundational to providing joined-up services.