The Humanitarian Tracker (HT) organization, in collaboration with the TIMA Charitable Foundation, launched its Global Action Mosaic (GAM) platform to promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in Syria. The event was attended by the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Marwan al-Halabi, at the Digital Innovation Center (DIGIT) in the Kafr Sousa neighborhood of Damascus.
The platform aims to leverage public participation and artificial intelligence (AI) for the common good, empowering citizens to report humanitarian crises and human rights violations using technology. It integrates collective reports from field individuals with machine learning techniques and data extraction to analyze and verify information from various sources.
It also aims to track and measure progress towards achieving the SDG, and use reports to create a live map and provide data to other organizations, journalists, and government bodies such as the UN, the US Agency for International Development, and the US Department of State.
Minister Halabi noted that the GAM platform enhances the SDG through data produced by citizens and comprehensive digital tools, envisioning a convergence of humanitarian purpose with modern means. He highlighted its importance in harnessing intellectual and research capacities in AI for social benefit, mental health in post-conflict environments, education in the digital age, leadership, and professional development.
Halabi considered this initiative as a confirmation that digital literacy, data utilization, and enhanced collaboration between sectors form bridges towards empowering Syrian youth and women, accelerating progress towards sustainable development, and establishing Damascus as a regional beacon for technology-driven social innovation.
He emphasized the importance of establishing partnerships and exchanging experiences among creative minds laying the foundation for initiatives that make a real difference in people’s lives, recovery, revival, and building a bright future while creating practical pathways that make technology a tool for good and peace.
For her part, Hind al-Hanawi, Executive Director of HT, stated that the organization is a non-profit based in Seattle, USA, and its GAM has been active for 14 years. It is a flagship project of the organization utilizing public participation and AI to achieve social impact. She noted that through this project, the organization enables communities to showcase transformative projects aligned with the SAG and beyond.
The platform’s launch was attended by the Assistant Minister of Higher Education for Scientific Affairs and Research, Dr. Ghaith Warkouzq, the President of Damascus University, Dr. Mustafa al-Dahr, representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Social Affairs and Labor, ambassadors from several countries, representatives from international organizations and various experts and researchers.
