Michael Tjalve brings more than two decades of experience with AI, from applied science and research to tech sector AI development, most recently serving as Chief AI Architect at Microsoft Philanthropies where he helped humanitarian organizations leverage AI to amplify their impact. In 2024, he left the tech sector to establish Humanitarian AI Advisory, dedicated to helping humanitarian organizations and stakeholders understand how to harness the potential of AI while navigating its pitfalls. Michael holds a PhD in Artificial Intelligence from University College London and he is Assistant Professor at University of Washington where he teaches AI in the humanitarian sector. Michael serves as Board Chair and technology advisor for Spreeha Foundation, working to improve healthcare and education in underserved communities in Bangladesh. Michael is AI Advisor to the UN on humanitarian affairs, where he works with OCHA on AI strategy and on providing guidance on the safe and effective use of AI for humanitarian action. He is also co-lead of the SAFE AI initiative which aims to promote the safe and responsible use of AI in humanitarian action. Michael recently co-founded the RootsAI Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing the value of modern AI to languages and communities that don't have easy access to it today, and to improve representation in AI models by building culturally grounded AI tools.