OpenAI launched its inaugural AI Jam for Disaster Management in Bangkok, bringing together 50 leaders from 13 Southeast and South Asian countries to explore how artificial intelligence can enhance disaster response. The event, held in partnership with the Gates Foundation, Asian Disaster Preparedness Center, and DataKind, focuses on moving beyond AI interest to practical implementation.

Participants from government agencies, nonprofits, and multilateral organizations are working with OpenAI mentors to develop custom GPTs and workflows for real-world disaster scenarios. The initiative builds on OpenAI's expansion of its OpenAI for Countries Program, announced at Davos. With Asia accounting for 75% of global disaster-affected populations and ASEAN countries losing over $11 billion to disasters, the need for faster, more effective response systems is critical.

Recent cyclones like Ditwah in Sri Lanka and Senyar in Thailand showed AI's growing role in crisis information access, with ChatGPT usage surging 17× and 3.2× respectively during these events. The Bangkok workshop emphasizes responsible AI use and building institutional trust. OpenAI plans a second phase focused on pilot deployments and deeper technical collaboration with participating organizations across the region.