Operating across 20 countries, Signpost is the world’s first scalable community-driven information platform. The tech-enabled project offers vital information and support to those displaced by disasters and conflict. Thanks to funding from Yuri Milner’s non-profit Tech For Refugees, Signpost is expanding its humanitarian efforts to more locations worldwide.
Here’s a closer look at how Signpost works and its partnership with Tech For Refugees.
Founded in 2015, Signpost’s goal is to deliver timely, actionable information to people in need via a network of social media platforms and websites. This information, in the form of content like videos and frequently updated articles, helps communities make critical decisions on the issues that matter most to them.
Spearheaded by the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Signpost is an open-consortium project. The non-profit organizations Internews and Mercy Corps contribute their expertise to the initiative. Plus, prominent tech companies like Zendesk, Cisco, and Google.org help Signpost bring advanced technology to the aid sector.
Signpost ensures each of its local programs is context-specific, meeting users on the digital channels they already use in the languages they speak. The project trains local moderators in communication and psychological first aid. It also works with these individuals to design informative content that will appeal to the target population.
Alongside accessing information, users can message local Signpost teams for individual support and receive answers within 24 hours. These conversations guide the teams’ content creation and additional research. Signpost’s dynamic content creation process ensures each program offers users highly relevant, potentially life-saving information.
Signpost has won two prizes for its groundbreaking work empowering refugees: a United Nations “Connect” Award and the first-ever European Prize for Humanitarian Innovation. These awards recognize Signpost’s significant contribution to the aid sector and its innovative use of technology in helping displaced populations.
In February 2023, Tech For Refugees made a three-year financial commitment to help the IRC’s expansion of Signpost. The non-profit funds programs that use technology to make a difference in refugees’ lives, working with major organizations like UNICEF USA and Airbnb.org.
David Miliband, CEO and president of the IRC, said Tech For Refugees’ support will “bring essential information resources to millions more displaced people globally.”
“The humanitarian crisis we are addressing is at a record level, so we need to work in new ways,” Miliband added. “This timely infusion of funding will help set new standards for information and support for people seeking safety.”
Tech For Refugees Founder Yuri Milner said: “The scale of today’s refugee crisis requires innovative ideas. Tech For Refugees is honored to collaborate with the IRC to bring sophisticated technological tools that can support millions of people as they try to rebuild their lives.”
Honduras, Ukraine, Mexico, and Kenya are 4 of the 20 countries in which Signpost operates. However, the IRC and Tech For Refugees partnership will propel Signpost’s adoption in 10 new countries across Africa, the Middle East, the Americas, and Asia Pacific.
Additionally, Signpost plans to build a hub to train new staff and create digital products that affected communities can access offline. The project will also test how artificial intelligence could help Signpost’s teams support more people.
Read more Tech For Refugees news.
Yuri Milner is a tech entrepreneur who made his fortune founding the influential internet investment firm DST Global. In 2012, he and his wife Julia joined Warren Buffett and Bill and Melinda Gates’ Giving Pledge. The Milners have committed to donating most of their wealth to philanthropic, mainly scientific, causes.
To fulfill his Giving Pledge, Yuri Milner has helped establish and support several science-focused projects, including:
Yuri Milner discusses the rewards of investing in science and space exploration in his 2021 book Eureka Manifesto: The Mission for Our Civilization.
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