UNESCO and SAP roll out AI- powered disaster management platform EDiSON

SAP SE and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have announced the deployment of an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered disaster risk management system in the Solomon Islands.

The system, known as EDiSON, short for Enhanced Disaster Information System On-demand, was co-developed by SAP Japan and INSPIRATION PLUS, a disaster prevention venture from Oita University. It will go live in 2026, marking a pivotal moment in how island nations confront the growing threat of climate-induced natural disasters.

Real-time insights to prepare for real-world threats

Running on the SAP Business Technology Platform, EDiSON harnesses AI and machine learning to merge real-time meteorological data, visual analytics, and historical records into one predictive platform. It equips local authorities with a clearer picture of emerging threats, like cyclones, floods, and tsunamis, and offers tools to forecast terrain damage, recommend evacuation orders, and direct emergency services to at-risk areas.

According to UNESCO, the system is part of its Disaster Prevention Strengthening Program and is intended to act as a scalable model for other small island developing states facing similar vulnerabilities.

“EDiSON represents a leap forward in how science and technology can empower vulnerable communities,” said Soichiro Yasukawa, UNESCO’s 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.”

Why Solomon Islands, and why now?

The Solomon Islands, an archipelago of nearly 1,000 islands in the South Pacific, ranks among the world’s most disaster-prone regions. Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and even tsunamis are frequent occurrences, often overwhelming local infrastructure and response teams. The deployment of EDiSON is expected to significantly enhance national readiness and reduce response delays during future events.

One of the platform’s strengths lies in its modular and adaptable design. EDiSON pulls in both static and dynamic datasets from government agencies, municipal bodies, and private sector players. These inputs generate real-time visibility into evolving disaster conditions—turning raw data into actionable intelligence.

From Japan to the Pacific: A tested model finds new ground

EDiSON’s foundation in Japan’s high-performing disaster alert systems was one of the reasons UNESCO chose to expand its use. Japan’s history of refining real-time hazard monitoring technology made it a natural testing ground. In its new setting, the platform will be tailored to match the constraints and capabilities of the Solomon Islands.

“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 adapted 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.”

The hope is that this system won’t just be a one-off. With climate events increasing in frequency and intensity, the EDiSON model could form the basis of a broader global strategy to prepare underserved nations for disaster before it strikes.

A blueprint for the future

Beyond the immediate impact on the Solomon Islands, the EDiSON initiative sets a precedent: technology doesn’t have to be complex or expensive to be impactful. Its plug-and-play model, designed for scalability without steep technical requirements, aims to put advanced predictive analytics within reach for governments with limited resources.

If successful, the system may shape how disaster management is approached in regions like the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, and coastal Africa, where the effects of climate change are being felt more frequently and more severely.

As the climate crisis accelerates, the intersection of AI, cloud computing, and humanitarian needs continues to gain momentum. For the Solomon Islands, EDiSON may mark the beginning of a safer, smarter chapter.