AI Workshop Aims to Transform Disaster Response in Asia

In a region where disasters affect more people than anywhere else in the world, a groundbreaking initiative is attempting to bridge the gap between artificial intelligence capabilities and on-the-ground emergency response needs. Today in Bangkok, 50 disaster management leaders from across Southeast and South Asia gathered for the inaugural AI Jam for Disaster Management professionals, a collaborative effort between OpenAI, the Gates Foundation, Asian Disaster Preparedness Center, and DataKind. This workshop represents a significant shift from theoretical discussions about AI's potential to hands-on development of practical tools that can be deployed during actual emergencies.

The urgency driving this initiative stems from Asia's disproportionate burden of natural disasters, which affects an estimated 75% of people impacted globally by such events. Recent events like Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka and Cyclone Senyar in Thailand have demonstrated both the strain on traditional response systems and the emerging role of AI in crisis situations. During these disasters, internal data showed a 17% increase in cyclone-related messages on ChatGPT in Sri Lanka and a 3.2 times increase in message volume in Thailand, indicating that affected populations are already turning to AI tools for information and guidance during emergencies.

Ology employed in this workshop focused on practical, collaborative development rather than theoretical presentations. Participants worked directly with OpenAI mentors to build custom GPTs and reusable workflows that could be applied across different disaster scenarios, from situation reporting and needs assessment to public communication. This hands-on approach was designed specifically to address the resource-constrained environments where disaster response teams typically operate, characterized by fragmented data, manual processes, and limited infrastructure that can delay critical decisions during fast-moving emergencies.

From the workshop point toward several concrete applications emerging from the collaboration. Participants explored how AI could transform satellite and earth observation data into actionable insights through geospatial tools and risk analytics, potentially strengthening early warning systems and improving risk mapping. The development of reusable workflows for different disaster situations suggests that response teams could standardize certain processes while maintaining flexibility for specific emergency contexts. This practical focus aims to move organizations beyond mere interest in AI toward embedding these technologies into their daily operational s.

Of this work extend beyond technical tool development to address broader institutional s in AI adoption. The sessions emphasized responsible use and building institutional trust in AI technologies, recognizing that technical capability alone cannot ensure effective implementation. By working directly with professionals who coordinate information, support affected communities, and make time-critical decisions on the ground, the initiative seeks to ensure that developed tools are useful, accessible, and grounded in real-world needs rather than theoretical possibilities.

This effort builds on the expansion of OpenAI's Countries Program announced at Davos and represents what organizers describe as a first step toward closing the gap between what AI can do and how it's actually used in the field. According to Sandy Kunvatanagarn, Head of Public Policy at OpenAI, the workshop aims to equip people closest to communities with knowledge and skills to harness digital tools, calling this 'one of the most powerful investments we can make in disaster preparedness and response.' The initiative acknowledges the strong momentum and interest in AI across Asia while focusing on transforming that interest into practical capability.

Looking forward, organizers are exploring a second phase focused on pilot deployments and deeper technical collaboration with participating organizations across the region. This next stage would test the tools developed during the workshop in real-world scenarios, providing valuable feedback for refinement and scaling. The long-term vision involves combining AI tools with regional expertise and partnerships to support faster, more informed decision-making for communities and governments facing increasingly frequent and severe natural disasters across Asia.