ConnectHear, a leading Pakistani social enterprise focused on disability inclusion through technology, has partnered with Ufone 4G to launch the world’s first AI-powered early warning system tailored for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. The system, named SUNO, is a groundbreaking initiative that delivers life-saving alerts in sign language during emergencies such as floods and earthquakes.
Supported by the GSMA Mobile for Humanitarian Innovation Fund and backed by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, SUNO addresses a vital gap in emergency communication. Traditionally, Deaf individuals have been excluded from real-time alerts during disasters, often relying on others for critical information. SUNO changes that by sending AI-generated sign language video alerts directly via Ufone’s WhatsApp bot, free of cost, ensuring timely and accessible communication for those at risk.
ConnectHear produces the sign language content using advanced AI technology, while Ufone 4G, part of the PTCL Group, provides the infrastructure to deliver alerts nationwide. The initiative reflects a strong commitment to digital inclusion and accessibility, ensuring that no community is left behind in moments of crisis.
Hatem Bamatraf, President and Group CEO of PTCL & Ufone 4G, emphasized that technology should serve everyone, reaffirming the company’s social impact vision through its ‘Dil Se’ platform. Co-founder of ConnectHear, Azima Dhanjee, shared a deeply personal connection to the cause, highlighting the long-standing communication barriers faced by Deaf individuals, including her own parents. She emphasized that access to emergency alerts is not a luxury but a basic human right.
Kimberly Brown, Head of Mobile for Humanitarian Innovation at GSMA, noted that SUNO is a strong example of inclusive innovation. By utilizing low-bandwidth tools and mobile voice services, the system ensures even historically underserved communities are informed and protected during disasters.
The launch event in Islamabad showcased the platform’s functionality and its potential to redefine how emergency communication is delivered. SUNO represents a major advancement in inclusive tech, setting a precedent for how public safety solutions can be built with accessibility at the core, offering equal protection and dignity to all citizens, regardless of ability.