Impact Evaluations of AI in the Social Sector


Online May 6, 2025 11:55 am - 12:25 pm

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Iqbal Dhaliwal
David V. Johnson

In this session, Iqbal Dhaliwal, global executive director of the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) at MIT, stresses the importance of conducting rigorous impact evaluations to assess AI applications in the social sector.

Drawing from decades of research on technology adoption in the social sector, Dhaliwal will discuss the five ways AI can increase J-PAL’s impact. He will also explore the risks of untested AI applications and emphasize the importance of concurrent evaluations to ensure AI benefits those it is meant to serve. SSIR deputy print editor, David V. Johnson, will moderate the session’s Q&A.