Australian Red Cross unites leaders to tackle humanitarian challenges with technology at Humanitech Summit

16 May 2023

More than 150 leaders will gather in Melbourne for the third annual Humanitech Summit to explore how the latest advances in technology can tackle the world’s biggest humanitarian challenges.

Pioneered by Australian Red Cross and supported by the Telstra Foundation, the Summit sets the scene to spark new ways of working with technology to benefit people and society – connecting Australian technologists, community leaders, corporate innovators, policymakers, and academics with a global humanitarian network.

The Humanitech Summit will showcase the newest innovations influencing the future of humanitarian efforts. Attendees will be introduced to the climate intelligence tools tackling extreme heat, see the “digital humans” increasing access to sign language, and learn how First Nations insights are shaping digital identity.

The 2023 program will feature speakers from Australia’s commercial, community and innovation sectors who are set to take the stage to share their expertise on harnessing the power of technology for good. They will explore how advances in AI, machine learning, blockchain and frontier technologies can be used to improve disaster response, increase climate resilience, support migrants in transition, and save lives.

Chief of Staff at Australian Red Cross Penny Harrison said: “The Humanitech Summit combines the global scale of Red Cross networks with the multidimensional support of Telstra Foundation to offer a rare opportunity to explore the possibilities emerging through technology to make a difference in the lives of people and communities.”

CEO of Telstra Foundation Jackie Coates said: “There has never been a more important time to gather Australia’s best and brightest minds to discuss the issues that we’re witnessing from technology today to address their impacts on tomorrow.”

Head of Humanitech at Australian Red Cross Katy Southall said: “The Humanitech Summit unlocks opportunities for people across sectors to work together to tackle complex challenges across climate change, disasters, migration, and wellbeing – we are looking forward to seeing what new ideas are inspired through technology at this year’s Summit.”

The Humanitech Summit is part of Australian Red Cross’s ongoing commitment to innovation and its mission to support communities in times of need. It’s underpinned by insights from Humanity First, a new approach to developing and using technology that offers practical ways for people and organisations to maximise the benefits of technology and reduce its risk of harm.

Humanitech Summit 2023 will take place on Wednesday, 17 May 2023 at State Library Victoria with a full day of free panel discussions, keynotes, lightning talks, presentations and more.

For more information about the Humanitech Summit, please visit: https://www.humanitech.org.au/summit/summit-2023/