IBM commits €41m to sustainability accelerator
IBM has announced a new request for proposals (RFP) from government and non-profit organisations around the world for its anual Sustainability Accelerator, which this year focuses on projects to advance city resiliency.
IBM also announced that it would increase investment in the pro-bono social impact programme by 50%, committing to make up to €41 million in cash and in-kind donations of technology and services available over the next five years.
The IBM Sustainability Accelerator applies technology such as watsonx, an AI and data platform and AI assistants, to support populations vulnerable to environmental threats around the world.
According to UN Habitat the world will continue to urbanise over the next three decades, with the share of people living in urban areas increasing from 56% in 2021 to 68% by 2050. The disproportionate impacts of climate change can challenge capacity for sustainable urban development and planning, as cities around the world work to address priorities like emissions levels, intensifying climate risks, environmental justice and more.
“After three years working to improve lives and uplift vulnerable communities around the world, we’re proud to recognise the success of the IBM Sustainability Accelerator by strengthening both our impact and our investment in the programme,” said Justina Nixon-Saintil, IBM vice president and chief impact officer.
“We look forward to working with a new cohort of partners to transform the cities we live in, and to deploy solutions that harness the potential of artificial intelligence to build a more resilient future.”
This year’s international cohort of five organisations will also work with EY in the form of organisational development coaching from EY teams, and run capacity-building workshops.
The evaluation and selection criteria for the global RFP will consider applicants’ level of support to communities especially vulnerable to urban environmental threats; the feasibility and sustainability of proposed technology solutions for climate change mitigation; and applicants’ transparency on measurement and reporting, among other considerations.
Closing date for application from nonprofit and government initiatives focused on city resiliency and urban climate adaptation is 30 April 2024.
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