Humanitarian Technology for Sustainable Development
What is the difference between a ""humanitarian activity"" and ""humanitarian technology""? How can we determine whether a project in which we are involved is humanitarian in nature, and if the technology it employs is appropriate for the setting and stakeholders? Science, technology, and innovation are key tools that can help the world to make significant progress in its work to address the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. However, it is absolutely vital to assess the impact and potential for harm that introducing new technology into a community could have before the project is underway. This will help ensure that projects generate the desired outcomes. After taking this course, you will be able to:
- Appreciate the roles technology can play in sustainable development and humanitarian activities.
- Consider the framework of “Appropriate technology” (AT) and its benefits for finding technological solutions that benefit the community as a whole.
- Understand and assess the trade-offs when choosing a technological solution and planning its deployment.
Finding a technological solution that answers the local needs and utilizes local resources is a vital component to any successful humanitarian technology and sustainable development project. Thought-provoking readings, examples, and exercises throughout the course reinforce this concept, and provide participants with the tools to evaluate their own projects for appropriate technology.
Audience: Volunteers who are interested in learning about sustainable development and applying their technical skills by getting involved in humanitarian and sustainable development projects.
This is the fourth module of the Humanitarian Technology and Sustainable Development at IEEE curriculum. We recommend you complete the first three classes in the curriculum before beginning in order to build upon the foundation of information. "
Instructors
IEEE Humanitarian Activities Committee (HAC)
The IEEE Humanitarian Activities Committee (HAC) provides a suite of resources that inspire and enable IEEE volunteers around the world to carry out and/or support impactful humanitarian technology and sustainable development activities at the local level.
HAC focuses on raising awareness of how technically trained people can contribute, providing training for engagement in humanitarian technology and sustainable development activities, supporting and evaluating projects, and cultivating relationships and leveraging opportunities, so that IEEE can become a leader in the global sustainable development community. The committee reports to the IEEE Board of Directors. HAC.ieee.org
IEEE Special Interest Group on Humanitarian Technology (SIGHT)
IEEE SIGHT is a global network of IEEE volunteers partnering with under-served communities & local organizations to leverage technology for sustainable development. SIGHT.ieee.org
Publication Year: 2020