A research institute affiliated with the United Nations has launched two new avatars powered by artificial intelligence. Created Amina and Abdalla, these avatars are intended to teach the general public about refugee experiences. In an effort to improve understanding of refugee challenges, the United Nations University Centre for Policy Research (UNU-CPR) developed these avatars. Their aim is to build understanding for what refugees are encountering worldwide.
Under the leadership of Eduardo Albrecht, a Columbia University professor and a senior fellow at UNU-CPR, the project was coordinated primarily by his students. Albrecht characterized the development process of Amina and Abdalla as just “messing around with the idea.” As the above example illustrates, it underscores the experimental nature of their development. The avatars are officially released and available for you to engage with on UNU-CPR’s specialized website. So hop on over and begin participating in discussions with them!
The initial launch occurred on July 12, 2025 at 3 PM PDT. Here’s what made this event such a meaningful leap in uniting technology solutions to humanitarian-driven education. Curious Georgians can submit questions and receive personalized answers from Amina & Abdalla. This two-way communication, along with the materials that accompany the platform, encourages a deeper understanding of the complexities of refugee experiences.
Others had a hard time registering on the portal. Error message received when they were testing the site Saturday afternoon. However, in spite of this unfortunate blow, the initiative continues to offer real hope for fostering discussion on pressing global challenges.
A pictorial depiction of Amina can be found online, photo credit UNU-CPR/404 Media. This physical slouch comes through in the art creation, providing a human touch to avatars that could help make future interactions feel more real to users.
“They are very capable of speaking for themselves in real life.” – Workshop attendees
The introduction of Amina and Abdalla aligns with broader efforts to leverage technology in social advocacy, aiming to engage a wider audience in discussions about refugees. As these avatars represent the voices and stories of displaced individuals, they serve as a reminder of the importance of understanding and addressing refugee crises.