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AI for Social Impact Learning Journey

The UNITAR x UREKA AI for Social Impact course is a practical, self-paced learning journey designed for non-technical learners. Participants explore artificial intelligence through the lens of social impact, sustainability, ethics, and real-world problem solving while developing their own guided AI-supported project proposal.

Six-Module Curriculum

Each module combines practical topics, learning outcomes, and project outputs.

Module 1
AI Foundations

Build a practical, non-technical understanding of artificial intelligence, how it works, where it fails, and how to use it responsibly for social impact.

Topics

  • AI as Pattern Prediction
  • Tokens & Language Models
  • Generative vs Predictive AI
  • Cloud vs Local AI
  • Data Quality & Bias
  • Hallucinations & Verification
  • Synthetic Media & Trust
  • Sustainable & Responsible AI

Key Learning Outcomes

  • Understand core AI concepts in simple language
  • Recognize hallucinations and AI bias
  • Learn responsible AI-use habits
  • Apply verification and fact-checking practices

Learner Outputs

AI Literacy NotesResponsible AI ChecklistSelf-Assessment Quiz
Module 2
The Cause

Connect local challenges to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and identify where AI can responsibly support real-world impact.

Topics

  • Understanding the SDGs
  • Local Problems & Global Goals
  • AI for Social Impact
  • Problem Mapping
  • AI-Fit Assessment
  • Case Studies & Success Patterns
  • Risk & Human Oversight

Key Learning Outcomes

  • Connect community challenges to SDGs
  • Assess whether AI is appropriate for a problem
  • Develop a focused impact question
  • Analyze real AI-for-good case studies

Learner Outputs

Problem LadderAI-Fit ReflectionImpact QuestionInitial Project Idea
Module 3
Design the Project (The Vibe)

Transform an idea into a structured AI-for-impact project using a practical project canvas and responsible design principles.

Topics

  • Project Canvas Design
  • Stakeholder Mapping
  • AI Capability Selection
  • Responsible AI Solution Design
  • Impact Metrics & Baselines
  • Feasibility Testing
  • Proposal Structure

Key Learning Outcomes

  • Build an AI-ready project concept
  • Define beneficiaries and impact metrics
  • Design responsible AI interventions
  • Create a structured proposal framework

Learner Outputs

8-Cell Project CanvasStakeholder MapAI Solution StatementProposal Skeleton
Module 4
The Script

Learn how to use AI as a structured drafting, storytelling, critique, and verification assistant for proposal and pitch development.

Topics

  • Prompt Engineering
  • Role-Based Prompting
  • Storytelling Frameworks
  • AI-Assisted Script Writing
  • Verification & Fact Checking
  • Institutional Tone & Rewriting
  • Visual Prompting
  • Tool Selection

Key Learning Outcomes

  • Write effective AI prompts
  • Build a 90-second impact narrative
  • Verify AI-generated content responsibly
  • Improve clarity through AI-assisted critique

Learner Outputs

Prompt NotebookMaster PromptPitch ScriptStoryboardVerified Claim Table
Module 5
The Studio

Create responsible AI-assisted media assets and simple prototypes to support your social impact project proposal.

Topics

  • Voice & Narration
  • AI Image Creation
  • Music & Audio
  • Motion & Video
  • Animation & Avatars
  • Prototype & Demo Creation
  • Ethical Media Production

Key Learning Outcomes

  • Produce simple AI-assisted media assets
  • Apply consent and disclosure principles
  • Build a prototype or demo concept
  • Prepare production-ready materials

Learner Outputs

Voice RecordingVisual AssetsMusic or Audio BedMotion ClipPrototype or Demo Link
Module 6
The Edit

Finalize, disclose, publish, and submit a responsible AI-supported project proposal and supporting materials.

Topics

  • Editing & Final Assembly
  • AI Disclosure Practices
  • Content Credentials
  • Publishing & Sharing
  • Quality Review
  • Proposal Submission

Key Learning Outcomes

  • Finalize AI-supported project materials
  • Apply transparent AI disclosure
  • Publish supporting assets responsibly
  • Submit a complete guided proposal

Learner Outputs

Final Media or DemoAI Disclosure StatementShareable Project LinkFinal Proposal Submission

Ready to Build AI for Impact?

Join learners worldwide in designing responsible AI-powered solutions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.

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