A Record-Breaking Edition

The IEEE International Humanitarian Technologies Conference (IHTC) 2024 served as a vital platform for addressing pressing environmental and socio-economic challenges through technological innovation. Held for the first time in Europe, this seventh edition took place in Bari, Italy, from November 27-30, at the Polytechnic University of Bari. The conference aimed to gather scientists, engineers, researchers, and professionals to explore how technology can be harnessed for the common good, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promoting humanitarian technologies.

This year’s conference witnessed unprecedented participation, with over 436 attendees from more than 70 countries, including a notable representation of women, making up a quarter of the participants. The authorship reflected a diverse global reach, with 74.4% of authors from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and a total of 201 papers reviewed, resulting in a 73% acceptance rate for the technical program. The conference featured 16 special sessions across three main tracks: clean and affordable energy, critical events and adverse living conditions, and quality improvement.

Figure 1 - Conference presentation flyer, contributors and numbers

The 13 panel sessions and 3 keynote speeches organized during IHTC2024 had the effect of attracting the interest of participants outside of the strictly scientific audience. As a matter of fact, about 55% of people attending IHTC 2024 were not directly connected with IEEE technical activities, 23.5% came from industry and governmental or intergovernmental organizations and 17.5% were professional engineers.

Collaboration Across Disciplines

Supported by IEEE Regions 7, 8, and 9, along with five IEEE Societies, ten chapters and 2 Affinity Groups the conference emphasized collaboration across disciplines. The IEEE Humanitarian Technologies Board (HTB) played a crucial role in providing technical and financial support, while the R8 Humanitarian Activity Committee organized its Congress in conjunction with IHTC 2024. This collaboration facilitated discussions on sustainable energy, remote sensing, and humanitarian responses, further enriched by the presence of research institutions, representatives from organizations like the United Nations and UNESCO, industry leaders and policy makers.

Key Themes & Insights

Key themes of the conference revolved around the SDGs. These themes guided the conference’s structure, ensuring that discussions addressed global challenges while fostering innovative solutions. Special sessions tackled issues such as universal electrification, energy poverty, digital divide, disaster resilience, and climate change mitigation, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary approaches.

One notable panel discussed “Future Environmental & Humanitarian Challenges,” exploring strategies and policies from international organizations aimed at addressing environmental crises.

The role of technological innovation in combating climate change was also a focal point of the IHTC2024, alongside discussions on energy justice and collaborations between regulation authorities and industry operators.

The conference also emphasized the importance of inclusivity, particularly through panels like “Women in Humanitarian Technology,” which highlighted the contributions of women in energy research and the need for greater representation in technology fields.

Figure 2 – In the picture (from left to right): Paul Cunningham (IEEE R8 CCC), Soichiro Yasukawa (UNESCO), Diego Gonzalez Ferreiro (UN GSC), Valeria Termini (CNEL), Massimo La Scala (IHTC2024 GC), Kais Zouab (UN GSC)i, René Garello (IEEE OC, UNESCO), Tiziana Tambosso (IEEE R8 CoCC), Magdalena Salazar Palma (IEEE HTB), Lwanga Herbert (IEEE HTB), and Abdullateef Aliyu (IEEE R8 SAC) (Plenary session on 27 November 2024)

IHTC 2024 also prioritized fostering young talent through various competitions and grants. Initiatives included travel grants for young researchers from low- and medium-development countries, a Best Student Paper Prize, and a competition for innovative PhD projects aligned with the SDGs. The event also featured challenges focused on climate change, such as an AI-driven weather forecasting competition and a disaster-resilient communication challenge.

Figure 3 - Scenes from the Best PhD Student Innovative Idea Competition (29 November 2024)
Figure 4 - Pictures from the Gala Dinner Award Ceremony (28 November 2024)
Figure 5 - Award Ceremony during the Closing session (30 November 2024)

Findings, Recommendations & Future Directions

The conference concluded with key findings and recommendations emphasizing the transformative power of humanitarian technology. It underscored the necessity of interdisciplinary collaboration and the importance of community-driven solutions for long-term resilience. The discussions highlighted the need for ethical AI, decentralized energy access, and digital equity as priority areas for future development.

Overall, IEEE IHTC 2024 was more than just a conference. It was a movement advocating for a better future through innovation and collaboration. The insights gained and the connections made will continue to influence the global discourse on humanitarian technologies, inspiring participants to transform ideas into actionable solutions that can shape a more.

Figure 6 - Some convivial moments of the conference
Figure 7 - Group photo at the end of the conference with the General Chair, the Organizing Committee, some guests and enthusiastic participants (30 November 2024)

On behalf of the Organizing Committee, we extend our sincere gratitude to all those who participated and contributed to the 7th IEEE IHTC 2024.

Massimo La Scala
IHTC 2024 General Chair