SAP and UNESCO Partner to Deploy AI-Powered Disaster Management System
SAP SE has announced that UNESCO will implement the advanced disaster risk management system EDiSON in the Solomon Islands. Developed by SAP Japan in collaboration with INSPIRATION PLUS, a venture from Oita University specialising in disaster prevention, the system is designed to strengthen resilience against natural disasters.
Running on SAP Business Technology Platform, EDiSON combines real-time meteorological data with historical records to deliver predictive insights powered by SAP Business AI and machine learning. This capability enables authorities to forecast terrain damage, dispatch emergency services, and issue timely evacuation advisories, reducing response times and mitigating disaster impacts.
"EDiSON represents a leap forward in how science and technology can empower vulnerable communities," said Soichiro Yasukawa, UNESCO Chief of Disaster Risk Reduction. "By integrating AI and real-time data, we are not only improving early warning capabilities but also building a foundation for long-term resilience and sustainable development."
The initiative, part of UNESCO’s Disaster Prevention Strengthening Program, will go live in 2026 and aims to create a scalable, data-driven model for disaster preparedness in small island nations. The Solomon Islands, located in the South Pacific, face frequent threats from earthquakes, tsunamis, cyclones, droughts and flooding, making EDiSON a critical tool for national preparedness.
EDiSON integrates static and dynamic data from government, municipal and private sources, providing real-time visibility into emerging risks. This empowers decision-makers to act quickly and protect lives and infrastructure.
"This project exemplifies SAP's commitment to using technology to empower resilient communities," said Sophia Mendelsohn, Chief Sustainability and Commercial Officer at SAP SE. "EDiSON is a powerful example of how our cloud platform and AI capabilities can be tailored to meet the needs of communities facing real-world challenges. We're proud to support UNESCO in bringing this innovation to the Solomon Islands and beyond."
UNESCO selected EDiSON based on its proven success in Japan, where it overcame challenges such as fragmented data and limited analytical capacity. Its modular design ensures scalability and adaptability, enabling resource-constrained nations to deploy advanced disaster management tools without extensive budgets or technical expertise.