As the world strives to meet the global goals for sustainable development, a critical aspect lies in ensuring economic equality, social justice, and access to opportunities, particularly for those living in conflict-affected regions. Humans in the Loop (HITL), a social enterprise founded in 2017, has taken significant steps towards achieving these goals by providing digital upskilling and remote job opportunities to displaced communities, particularly in the Middle East, Balkans, and Africa. Through its focus on the AI supply chain, HITL aims to create economic equality and support climate action while promoting environmental protection and peace and justice.
Addressing the need for economic opportunities in conflict regions
Conflict zones and displaced communities, such as those from Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq, face immense challenges in accessing stable employment and basic services. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), over 80 million people globally have been forcibly displaced due to conflict, with millions more living in regions where economic opportunities are limited. This situation exacerbates social justice issues and creates a vicious cycle of poverty and marginalisation. HITL seeks to break this cycle by offering training in high-demand digital skills, such as image annotation for computer vision AI, data analysis, programming, and graphic design.
By partnering with local NGOs, often refugee-led, HITL ensures that participants receive the necessary support to gain relevant skills and access remote job opportunities. Since its inception, the organisation has successfully provided work to over 1,000 individuals, generating more than 1.4 million Euros in salaries and training fees. These efforts not only support the livelihoods of individuals but also contribute to a sustainable future by promoting environmental protection through the use of AI in various sectors.
Impact of digital upskilling on displaced communities
The digital skills imparted by HITL are crucial in today’s fast-evolving job market. Many of the roles HITL focuses on, such as data annotation for AI systems, are essential to industries such as healthcare, automotive, and retail. The use of AI for medical applications, such as radiology and cardiology, is a growing field where skilled annotators are in high demand. HITL’s contribution to this field ensures that displaced medical professionals can apply their expertise while helping to create bias-free AI systems that support social good.
Additionally, HITL provides paid mock work projects during the training period, which allows participants to earn an income while learning. This financial support is vital for individuals who are often unable to access other forms of income. The success of this model has made a significant impact on local economies, especially in regions where traditional job opportunities are scarce.
The role of global collaboration in achieving sustainability goals
The efforts of organisations like HITL are a powerful example of how global society can collaborate to achieve climate action, social justice, and economic equality. Through initiatives like these, displaced individuals are not only trained for the future of work but also become integral contributors to AI-driven industries. By promoting diversity in AI development, HITL helps to create more inclusive and equitable technology that benefits all.
However, to make a broader impact, continued collaboration between social enterprises, NGOs, governments, and the private sector is essential. As the global goals move towards their 2030 targets, it is clear that addressing the needs of the most vulnerable communities is paramount. Sustainable solutions that bridge the digital divide and create economic opportunities are key to ensuring no one is left behind.
A sustainable future through digital upskilling
The work of Humans in the Loop highlights the importance of sustainability and global collaboration in addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time. By offering digital upskilling and creating remote job opportunities for displaced communities, HITL is not only helping to build economic equality but also contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable future. Through their model, displaced individuals are empowered with the skills needed to participate in the growing AI industry, directly supporting the global goals of environmental protection, social justice, and climate action.
For further information about the role of AI in promoting social good and how other organisations are contributing to these global efforts, explore more about initiatives that are making a difference in conflict-affected regions.
More information: https://humansintheloop.org/