By Mariela Machado Fantacchiotti, Senior Director, Humanitarian Activities
In June, during the IEEE Technical Activities Board meeting in Toronto, IEEE Humanitarian Technologies Board (HTB) introduced a strategic partnership approach aimed at amplifying the impact of Humanitarian Technologies within the IEEE community. Their presentation emphasized IEEE Humanitarian Technologies’ (HT) role as a central hub for technology-driven social impact initiatives across IEEE.
IEEE HT is a consortium of established and emerging programs supported by a global network of volunteers and technical professionals, all working together to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Key programs include Tech4Good, MOVE Global, EPICS in IEEE, IEEE Smart Village, Empower a Billion Lives, IEEE REACH, and IEEE SIGHT. The IEEE Board of Directors has tasked HT with overseeing and supporting all humanitarian technology efforts within the organization with the goal of standardizing processes, reducing risks, and increasing impact.
HTB invited Societies and Councils to consider “Partnering for Impact” with IEEE HT. Over the next few months, IEEE HT will collaborate with several Societies to identify their strategic objectives, key focus areas, existing initiatives, and target outcomes in advancing humanitarian technologies. To align and understand the priorities of each group, HT will lead targeted ideation sessions to ensure the integration of key members’ input and Society’s priorities. This partnership aims to develop a strategic plan that combines each Society’s technical expertise with IEEE HT’s resources and networks to co-develop new mission-driven programs that could achieve significant social impact at a higher scale.
A key component of this strategy is measuring and showcasing impact. IEEE HT, in partnership with the Technical Societies and Councils, will establish metrics, monitor progress, and create case studies to highlight successes and identify areas for improvement. These results will be showcased on globally recognized platforms, increasing the visibility and effectiveness of IEEE’s humanitarian efforts.
Collaboration with Societies is not new to IEEE HT—formerly known as the Humanitarian Activities Committee—but this initiative builds on a strong foundation of partnership. Since 2019, IEEE HT has worked with various Societies on joint initiatives, such as calls for grant proposals for the Tech4Good program. For example, the “Internet for All” program, developed with the IEEE Communications Society (ComSoc) over the past two years, aims to provide meaningful connectivity to underserved communities worldwide. This ongoing collaboration allows ComSoc members to play a crucial role in bridging the digital divide and contributing to a more inclusive digital future while leveraging HT team and board members for operational support and integration of established processes and best practices.
In addition to ComSoc, IEEE HT has partnered with the Industry Applications Society (IAS), Electron Devices Society (EDS), Signal Processing Society (SPS), Microwave Theory and Technology Society (MTT-S), and Antennas and Propagation Society (AP-S) to offer Tech4Good project grants. These collaborations leverage IEEE HT’s expertise in managing grassroots projects, collecting impact data, and innovating program development.
IEEE HT is dedicated to expanding its partnerships with Societies, bridging the gap between technical expertise and humanitarian knowledge. Together, we aim to create a powerful ecosystem of new impactful programs that address global challenges, aligned to strategic Societies and Councils’ objectives, and provide new philanthropic opportunities to reinvest in our joint mission of advancing technology for the benefit of humanity.
For more information or to explore collaboration opportunities with Humanitarian Technologies, please contact .