SAFE AI Checklist: AI onboarding for humanitarian actors (beta version)

This is a beta version of this checklist. Given the emerging and innovative nature of AI in humanitarian aid, we are asking people to test the SAFE AI products and give us feedback ahead of the final development of the SAFE AI framework. Please provide feedback via this form, or email info@cdacnetwork.org before 31 October 2025.i

This AI onboarding checklist for humanitarian actors from the SAFE AI Project provides a step-by-step overview of how to get started with using AI, establishing conditions for your organisation to leverage AI capabilities ethically, safely and responsibly for your stakeholders – and adhering to the humanitarian principles. Find links to helpful resources, from the SAFE AI initiative and elsewhere, which you can access for additional support.

Download the checklist here or download our handy checklist graphic by saving the picture below.

The steps include:

Step 1: Getting your organisation AI-ready

1. Evaluate your organisational readiness

2. Develop AI literacy and capacity

3. Develop an AI policy

Step 2: Planning your AI implementation

1. Identify your use case

2. Assess your data readiness and needs

3. Carry out a risk assessment and identify mitigation strategies

4. Identify who builds what

5. Start implementation stages

This material has been funded by UK International Development from the UK government.

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