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U-Report (UNICEF)

Global, Global

UNICEF's mobile engagement platform using AI chatbots to amplify youth voices globally. Launched in 2011, it connects over 39 million young people across 90+ countries via SMS, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and other platforms. During COVID-19, U-Report chatbots disseminated factual health information and countered misinformation. The platform conducts polls on health, climate, and education, with insights shaping policies globally. In Brazil, the "Pode Falar" AI chatbot (Ariel) provides anonymous mental health support to 90,000+ young people.

Behavior Goal

Increase youth engagement in civic issues, improve access to trusted health information, reduce misinformation spread, and support mental health help-seeking behavior among adolescents

Target Audiences

Youth/Adolescents

Methods & Approaches

Mass Media Campaigns

Implementers & Partners

  • UNICEF
  • Weni AI
  • RapidPro

Donors & Sponsors

  • UNICEF
  • Various country donors

Key Takeaways

  • 1AI chatbots can scale youth engagement to millions across multiple countries
  • 2Meeting young people on platforms they already use (WhatsApp, Messenger) increases engagement
  • 3Real-time poll data can inform policy decisions and program design
  • 4Anonymous AI-powered mental health support reduces stigma barriers
  • 5Platform adaptability allows rapid response to health emergencies like COVID-19

Sources

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