UN Institute Develops AI Avatars to Simulate Refugee Experiences

A research institute affiliated with the United Nations has unveiled a pair of experimental AI avatars designed to raise awareness around refugee experiences. The project, developed by the United Nations University Center for Policy Research (UNU-CPR), features two fictional characters: Amina, a woman who fled Sudan and now resides in a refugee camp in Chad, and Abdalla, a fictional soldier serving in Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces.

AI Avatars as Educational Tools

This initiative originated as a classroom experiment led by Columbia professor and UNU-CPR senior fellow Eduardo Albrecht. The team’s goal was to explore whether digital personas powered by AI could effectively inform donors and the general public about the challenges faced by refugees. Users can interact with the AI personas on the project’s website, although the registration process has faced technical issues.

Deep Founder Analysis

Why it matters

The intersection of artificial intelligence and humanitarian storytelling signals a shift in how nonprofits and multilateral institutions may use emerging technology for awareness, advocacy, and education. Startups in the impact sector or digital education can witness a new momentum for interactive, personalized learning and empathy simulation tools. This experiment hints at a broader trend: leveraging AI to bring attention to social and political issues in ways that traditional media cannot.

Risks & opportunities

Deploying AI to represent marginalized voices comes with ethical risks—especially if avatars are perceived as substitutes for real human testimony. The mixed reaction from workshop participants, some of whom cautioned that "refugees are very capable of speaking for themselves," underscores the importance of transparency and responsible storytelling. At the same time, there is opportunity in developing AI-driven engagement tools that facilitate donor communication, volunteer training, or public empathy campaigns—similar to educational use-cases for VR or simulation platforms.

Startup idea or application

A founder could build a platform where nonprofits and advocacy groups create bespoke AI avatars trained on real stories, serving both as interactive educators and fundraising aids. By incorporating features for ethical review and consent, startups can differentiate their offerings while helping organizations simulate diverse scenarios—from climate migration to refugee crises—offering immersive, empathetic learning experiences for donors, students, and policymakers alike.

Mixed Reactions and Future Applications

According to a summary paper published by the institute, the avatars could be used for engaging donors or as innovative educational tools. However, feedback from workshop attendees was divided, with some expressing discomfort over using AI to voice the lived experiences of refugees. This reflects a larger debate over AI ethics and authentic storytelling in the nonprofit sector.

Technology and Humanitarian Advocacy

The initiative joins a broader movement to modernize advocacy through digital means. As organizations grapple with how to balance real-world impact and technology, projects like UNU-CPR’s AI avatars will continue to spark debate—and potentially redefine the boundaries of digital empathy and education.

For further exploration of technology-driven social change, reference DeepFounder's article on how startups are using AI to shape public perception and sway outcomes.

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