2026: Thought Summit: Data Science to Build Resilience and Improve Humanitarian Response (Momentum) (CDSES, CIDER, UNHCR, WFP)
The Thought Summit aims to explore how emerging data science technologies can strengthen resilience and improve humanitarian decision-making, particularly in response to climate and food security risks. Hosted by Cornell University in collaboration with leading research centers, the summit will bring together experts from academia, government, and international organizations. Discussions will focus on three key areas: developing reliable data systems, advancing predictive modeling and machine learning, and improving decision-making through early-warning systems and anticipatory action. By connecting scientific innovation with practical applications, the summit seeks to address challenges in translating data into effective humanitarian responses. Key outcomes include a white paper identifying research gaps, future priorities, and opportunities for sustained interdisciplinary collaboration.
Cornell: Christopher Barrett (Cornell SC Johnson College of Business / Dyson School); Collaboration for International Development Economics Research (CIDER); Center for Data Science for Enterprise and Society (CDSES)
UN-World Food Programme (WFP): Kyriacos Koupparis (Italy)
UN-High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR): Rebeca Moreno Jiménez