How AI & Data Can Tackle Global Challenges | ReModelUN Ep. 1

How can AI and data help solve real-world challenges in development, governance, and sustainability? In this inaugural episode of ReModelUN, recorded at the SDG Solution Space in Geneva, François Grey speaks with Sharada Mohanty from AICrowd and Hannah Redders from Data for Change. Together, they explore how responsible AI, crowdsourcing, and better data systems can support policymaking, close SDG data gaps, and help young people turn global goals into local action. Learn more and get involved: https://www.remodelun.org/ What we cover: How AI and crowdsourcing can support sustainable development Why SDG progress is difficult to measure without better data How data gaps affect policymaking in low-resource settings What gender data equity looks like in real-world projects How national statistics offices can collaborate across borders Why Model UN students can help turn global challenges into practical solutions Guests: Hannah Redders, Data for Change Sharada Mohanty, AICrowd Host: François Grey, University of Geneva Chapters: 00:00 Intro to ReModelUN and the podcast purpose 01:10 Partner introductions: AICrowd and Data for Change 03:45 Origin story: UN hackathon and Model UN inspiration 07:50 Why ReModelUN matters today 09:45 The SDGs as a global data challenge 13:40 Challenge 1: Improving SDG visualization for policymakers 17:30 The complexity of measuring SDG progress 21:10 Gender data gaps and visualization in Rwanda 25:15 Challenge 2: Filling data gaps with AI and crowdsourcing 27:50 Digitizing paper records and structuring data 31:00 Super-resolution for missing population data 34:20 Challenge 3: Collaboration between national statistics offices 38:00 Transparency, corruption, and shared data 41:20 Finding mentors and getting involved as students 43:15 Challenge 4: Helping SMEs join the SDG data ecosystem 46:00 Final thoughts: education, AI, and youth-led problem solving #ReModelUN #AIforGood #SustainableDevelopment #ModelUN #DataForGood #ResponsibleAI #SDGs #Crowdsourcing