Globe is first telco to join UN-led DISHA initiative for disaster response

Rhea-AI Summary

Globe has become the first mobile network operator to join the UN Global Pulse's Data Insights for Social and Humanitarian Action (DISHA) coalition through a pro bono agreement. The initiative leverages AI-driven data for disaster preparedness in the Philippines, where 74% of the population faces natural disaster risks.

The partnership introduces two key features: a Population Movement heatmap tracking real-time population shifts in disaster areas using telecom data, and Poverty Nowcasting, which employs machine learning to monitor poverty levels using census data and anonymized signals. These tools aim to enhance humanitarian organizations' disaster response capabilities.

The pilot program in the Philippines includes collaboration with organizations like Catholic Relief Services, Philippine Red Cross, and Oxfam, who are helping refine the DISHA dashboard. The initiative supports UN Sustainable Development Goals 11 and 13, focusing on sustainable communities and climate action.

Positive

• First-mover advantage in UN-led disaster response initiative
• Enhanced disaster response capabilities through AI-driven data solutions
• Strategic partnerships with major humanitarian organizations

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• None.

MANILA, Philippines, April 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a landmark pro bono agreement, Globe, a top telco and digital solutions provider in the Philippines, has become the first mobile network operator (MNO) to partner with the UN Global Pulse's Data Insights for Social and Humanitarian Action (DISHA) coalition, harnessing AI-driven data for disaster preparedness and response.

The multi-partner initiative recently launched its pilot run in the Philippines, one of the world's most disaster-prone regions, where about 74% of the population faces risks from floods, cyclones, earthquakes, tsunamis, and landslides.

"Given the Philippines' vulnerability to the impacts of climate change, Globe is honored to be the first telecommunications company to join the DISHA coalition. This multi-sectoral partnership underscores our commitment to sustainability by leveraging digital technology to enable solutions and inspire collective action towards inclusive sustainable development," said Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer at Globe.

While timely and accurate information is critical in directing aid and ensuring swift recovery efforts, many local organizations still rely on manual assessments that can delay aid distribution.

DISHA addresses the challenge through the dynamic Socio-Economic Mapping solution developed in collaboration with McKinsey & Company and its AI arm QuantumBlack.

The Population Movement heatmap highlights unexpected population movement in disaster-stricken regions in near real time using trends derived from telecommunications data. Meanwhile, the Poverty Nowcasting feature uses machine learning models trained on government census data, telecom trends, and other anonymized signals to provide a regularly updated view of poverty levels. These tools help humanitarian organizations better respond to disasters, reaching those in most need.

"We're excited to welcome Globe Telecom to the DISHA Partner community and look forward to working side-by-side with Globe and humanitarian agencies operating in the Philippines to validate and scale the DISHA Socio-Economic Mapping solution in the country. When used responsibly, trends derived from telecommunications data can meaningfully augment operational analytics available to first responders. We thank Globe for recognizing this potential and investing with us in making this a reality," said Katya Klinova, Head of AI for Humanitarian and Development Use at UN Global Pulse.

As a supporter of the Sustainable Development Goals, this partnership between Globe and DISHA highlights the importance of digital connectivity in advancing the goals, especially on disaster management. 

"Our partnership with DISHA provides a crucial data-for-good solution that will enable disaster management agencies and partner organizations to deliver life-saving aid to those who need it the most. Because connectivity is essential in those first critical hours after a disaster, DISHA's Socio-Economic Mapping solution allows Globe to proactively prioritize service availability in shelter areas to enable recovery," said Jenny Echevarria, VP for Enterprise Data and Strategic Services at Globe

Meanwhile, the Catholic Relief Services, the Philippine Red Cross, and Oxfam have contributed to refining the DISHA dashboard by providing feedback to improve its usability and effectiveness. 

The beta-testing program in the country is now expanding, and humanitarian organizations in the Philippines are invited to test and validate the solution.

The 2024 GSMA SDG Impact Report highlights DISHA's innovative approach and Globe's role as its data partner in the Philippine pilot run. This initiative supports UN Sustainable Development Goal 11 on sustainable cities and communities and Goal 13 on climate action.

To learn more about Globe, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/. To learn more about DISHA, visit https://disha.unglobalpulse.org 

Sustainability at Globe

Globe is a Participant of the United Nations Global Compact and has committed to uphold the Ten Principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption. It also supports 10 out of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, with particular focus on SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 13 - Climate Action. As a Participant in the #RaceToZero campaign of United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Globe has committed to set a science-based target through the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Learn more about Globe Sustainability by visiting the Globe Sustainability Website and the Globe Annual Integrated Report.

Follow us on @GlobeIcon on Facebook and @globe_icon on Instagram, and Globe Telecom on LinkedIn.

 

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SOURCE Globe Telecom, Inc.

FAQ

What is Globe's role in the DISHA initiative for disaster response?

Globe is the first telecom company to join DISHA, providing telecommunications data for AI-driven disaster response tools, including population movement tracking and poverty monitoring in the Philippines.

How does DISHA's Socio-Economic Mapping solution work?

It uses telecom data to create population movement heatmaps and employs machine learning models with census data to track poverty levels, helping humanitarian organizations target aid effectively.

Which organizations are involved in testing DISHA's dashboard in the Philippines?

Catholic Relief Services, Philippine Red Cross, and Oxfam are contributing to refining DISHA's dashboard through beta-testing and feedback.

What percentage of the Philippine population is at risk from natural disasters?

74% of the Philippine population faces risks from natural disasters including floods, cyclones, earthquakes, tsunamis, and landslides.