In the wake of conflict, disaster, or forced displacement, timely humanitarian response can make a critical difference. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has partnered with Google Cloud and mapping experts Network Geographic Information Systems (NGIS) to enhance IOM’s LOCALISE planning system, enabling support to reach affected communities more quickly and effectively.
The upgraded system leverages AI-powered tools to drastically reduce the time needed for needs assessments. Tasks that previously took weeks can now be completed in days, allowing response teams to focus on delivering aid rather than processing data. Amy Pope, IOM Director General, emphasized that the initiative strengthens teams’ ability to plan faster, collaborate with local communities, and ensure timely, rights-based support.
A key feature of the enhanced LOCALISE Toolkit is its integration of community input and local expertise into planning processes. This ensures that people affected by crises have a meaningful voice in shaping the response, improving both relevance and effectiveness.
The tool will initially be piloted in two locations before a global rollout. By automating data from IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix and incorporating up-to-date imagery and maps of essential services such as schools, hospitals, electricity, and water, teams can quickly identify suitable sites and plan support based on real-world conditions.
Once deployed worldwide, IOM missions, governments, and partner organizations will be able to use the system across urban and rural areas, streamlining planning and improving the efficiency of humanitarian assistance wherever it is needed.
