From Innovation to Impact - Harnessing Emerging Technologies and Partnerships for Humanitarian Action

21 Oct 2026
Workshop Room 1

At a time of severe financial pressure and rapid technological change, the Switzerland–UNHCR partnership shows how International Geneva can bring together public, academic and private-sector expertise to advance responsible humanitarian innovation. Swiss support helps UNHCR retain critical digital capabilities while ensuring that new solutions remain grounded in the needs and rights of refugees and displaced communities. 

The panel will highlight practical examples, including a digital humanitarian coordination hub, work on digital protection and information integrity, and AI-enabled tools that help practitioners navigate refugee law. Using the RiMAP project as a case study, speakers will share lessons on connecting research with operational needs, co-developing solutions with the Swiss innovation ecosystem, and translating innovation into ethical, inclusive and sustainable impact. 

Speakers
Alex Mundt
Alex Mundt, Chief of Innovation Section - UNHCR
Dominique Hyde
Dominique Hyde, Director of External Relations - UNHCR
Julien Thöni
Julien Thöni, Deputy Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the United Nations - Government of Switzerland
Liudmila Zavolokina
Liudmila Zavolokina, Assistant Professor in Information Systems & Digital Innovation - University of Lausanne