YOUNA is a nonprofit AI chatbot that empowers people experiencing social disadvantage or discrimination. Through a web app, YOUNA offers low-threshold guidance and emotional support to those affected. As a new grantee, we support YOUNA in further expanding its services. Founder and CEO Said Haider explains in the interview how artificial intelligence can help people stand up to discrimination.
What motivated you in 2021 to develop an AI-based chatbot for experiences of racism?
Said Haider: In 2021, I worked on a YouTube format that focused on everyday racism. The videos often presented real situations humorously but stayed close to reality. The community was actively involved and contributed their own experiences. When I developed YOUNA, it was important to me to give these people more than just visibility. My research showed that existing online offerings were often very complex and hard to access. Many were well-intentioned but offered limited practical support for those affected in their daily lives. From this frustration, one central question arose: What would a digital support system look like that truly helps people experiencing racism? YOUNA is the answer: a low-threshold, easy-to-understand, and always-accessible service.
How do you ensure the chatbot provides responsible answers, especially considering AI risks?
Said Haider: YOUNA is deliberately designed differently from openly accessible generative AI chatbots. The system does not search the open internet or invent content. YOUNA works exclusively with curated knowledge databases. All content is reviewed in advance by subject-matter experts. This reduces typical AI risks, such as hallucinations. Users receive only professionally verified answers. At the same time, YOUNA is not intended to replace human support. Users are informed early on when personal counseling is advisable or necessary. Ultimately, the well-being of those seeking advice always comes first.
You are currently working on an upgrade, YOUNA PRO. What features will it offer?
Said Haider: Many counseling centers and community services in the field of racism are currently under significant financial pressure. Public funding is being cut or reduced, even as the need for support grows. The development of YOUNA PRO is therefore aimed at organizations. It is intended to relieve and stabilize existing counseling structures and serves as a digital complement. Counseling centers can use YOUNA, for example, for initial orientation, case structuring, or low-threshold support. This ensures services remain accessible even under challenging conditions. With YOUNA PRO, we help sustain established support structures.