VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.

865-0049-00L 1 Credits WBZ , NDS D-GESS

You're viewing possible stale or outdated data. Please check the latest semester for more up-to-date information.

AI for Global Development Organisations

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Isabel Günther, Dr. Kenneth Harttgen

Only for CAS in Global Cooperation and Sustainable Development students, as well as specialists with at least 24 months of practical experience in international cooperation. ETH doctoral students working on topics related to poverty reduction in low- and middle income countries may also be admitted. Registration only through the NADEL homepage.

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:30:46

Abstract

New data sources and AI offer global development organisations the opportunity to work more effectively towards the Agenda 2030. Despite its positive potential, new ethical concerns are emerging, such as data privacy and algorithmic bias. This course provides an overview of the potential and challenges of AI for organisations aiming to contribute to sustainable and equitable development.

Objective

The course aims to inspire participants by discussing with a diversity of experts in this rapidly evolving field and to provide participants with a first understanding of how to promote AI’s positive potential while protecting those most at risk of being negatively impacted by its use.

Content

- History and terminology of AI - Opportunities and challenges of AI for low-income countries - Natural language processing (NLP) for project management - Potential of new data sources for sustainable development - Remote sensing for monitoring and targeting of programs and -development - Data ethics and privacy - AI surveillance, AI misinformation and biases of algorithms - Use of AI for advancing education, health and agriculture in low-income settings

General Information

Language: English
Levels: WBZ , NDS

Examination

Type: ungraded semester performance

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	AI for Global Development Organisations Block course: 30.10.2025 – 31.10.2025 Location: CLD A1	No time listed	16 h semesterly

Offered In

MAS in Global Cooperation and Sustainable Development (Die Pflichtfächer des NADEL sind ausschliesslich für Studierende des MAS in Global Cooperation and Sustainable Development und für Fachkräfte der Entwicklungszusammenarbeit (EZA) mit mindestens 2 Jahren Berufserfahrung in der EZA und einem von der ETH anerkannten Abschluss auf Masterstufe zugänglich. Doktorierende, die sich mit empirischer Forschung im EZA-Bereich befassen, können "sur Dossier" zugelassen werden. Die Wahlfächer stehen Masterstudierenden der ETH offen mit Anmeldung/Warteliste. Priorität haben MAS Studierende.)
- Studienreglement 2021
  - Vertiefungsmodule
- Studienreglement 2024
  - Module
CAS in Global Cooperation and Sustainable Development (Findet jedes Frühjahrssemester und jedes zweite Herbstsemester (mit ungerader Jahreszahl) statt.)
- Module