A playbook for mission-driven organizations in the MENA region. Developed by startAD with support from **Google.org** as part of the AI For Good initiative.
đź’ˇ Tip: Duplicate this Notion file to create a fresh working copy for your organization. Fill in the templates as you work through each section.
This playbook was developed as a practical outcome of startAD’s AI for Good initiative. It builds on a human-centric framework that prioritizes real-world challenges tied to SDG 3 (Health & Well-being), guiding organizations to uncover, frame, and validate high-quality AI use cases rooted in end-beneficiary needs.
It is intended as both a learning tool and an implementation guide for MENA-region organizations looking to adopt AI solutions sustainably and effectively.
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The AI for Good initiative was designed to accelerate the development and adoption of AI solutions that create meaningful social impact across the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The initiative brought together nonprofits, social enterprises, innovators, and industry experts to identify real-world challenges and collaboratively develop responsible AI applications that improve health, well-being, and community outcomes. Learn more about the program here.
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Click any section below to dive right in.
| # | Section | What You'll Do | Key Output |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Introduction to AI & SDG Context | Build your AI foundation | AI Readiness Snapshot |
| 02 | Human-Centered Discovery | Map beneficiary journeys & pain points | 5 discovery artifacts |
| 03 | Turning Pain Points into AI Challenges | Frame structured challenge statements | 1–2 Challenge Statements |
| 04 | SDG 3 Alignment Guide | Connect your work to global goals | SDG Alignment Map |
| 05 | Is This a Good AI Use Case? | Assess feasibility & ethics | Traffic-Light Gate decision |
| 06 | Prioritize the Use Cases | Rank and select top challenges | 7-Day Pilot Plan |
| 07 | Common Pitfalls to Avoid | Learn from others' mistakes | Red flag vocabulary |
| 08 | Tools You Can Start Using Today | Match tools to your use cases | Tool Audit Sheet |
| 09 | Templates & Resources | Access all worksheets | Complete template library |
This Playbook is intended for informational purposes only to support organizations in exploring AI use case development. It does not constitute legal, medical, regulatory, or professional advice. Organizations are solely responsible for evaluating the feasibility, compliance, ethical implications, and risks associated with any AI solutions developed or implemented. AI systems may involve technical, data-related, and operational risks. Any pilot, prototype, or deployment should undergo appropriate review, validation, and oversight, particularly where solutions affect health, well-being, or vulnerable populations. startAD, NYUADC and its partners assume no liability for decisions, actions, or outcomes arising from the use of this Playbook. Artificial intelligence tools were used to assist in the drafting and refinement of this Playbook. All content has been reviewed, edited, and validated by the team to ensure accuracy, relevance, and alignment with the program’s objectives and ethical standards.