At this year’s Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Week in Geneva, a session explored how emerging digital data sources could help humanitarian organisations better understand how people move during crises. Representing WorldPop, Dr Sarchil Qader joined a panel examining how signals from mobile phones, online platforms, and other connected technologies can complement traditional sources of information.
When disasters or conflicts force people to relocate, responders often lack timely insight into where affected communities are going. Digital trace data can help fill this gap by revealing displacement patterns more quickly, allowing aid agencies to anticipate needs such as shelter, healthcare, and food assistance. Speakers emphasised that these tools work best alongside established methods such as surveys, census data, and satellite imagery, improving the overall accuracy of movement estimates. The discussion also highlighted the importance of responsible data use, including protecting privacy and ensuring transparency when working with information about vulnerable populations.
Participants agreed that while digital trace data holds significant promise, two major challenges remain: gaining reliable access to datasets and translating research methods into tools that humanitarian agencies can use operationally. The concluding panel consensus was that digital trace data should be developed with a clear pathway toward real-world deployment in crisis response, rather than remaining primarily a research innovation.
Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Weeks are organised by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) to bring together humanitarian practitioners, researchers, and partners to share knowledge and strengthen collaboration on improving humanitarian response.
