16 November 2023 | 11:30-13:30 (GMT+8) | Persada Johor International Convention Centre, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
This dialogue will provide a space for a diverse range of stakeholders to discuss opportunities and challenges of AI for addressing climate change in developing countries, and showcase examples of how AI is already being used for climate change adaptation and mitigation in the region.
The schedule of events during the Asia Pacific Climate week 2023 is available here, with additional information and links to follow the proceedings online.
Background
In June 2023, the UNFCCC Technology Mechanism launched its Initiative on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Climate Action (#AI4ClimateAction) to expolore the potential role of AI as a powerful technological tool for transformative adapatation and mitigation solutions in developing countries, particularly in least developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing States (SIDS). The UNFCCC Technology Mechanism is comprised of a policy arm, the Technology Executive Committee (TEC) hosted by UNFCCC and an implementation arm, the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) hosted by UNEP. Activities under the AI Initiative will be undertaken in the context of implementing the Technology Mechanism Joint Work Programme and in accordance with the functions of the TEC and the CTCN.
Objectives
The objectives of this event are to showcase examples of AI-driven climate solutions from Asia and Pacific and solicit views from the region on opportunities and challegenges regarding the the use of AI-powered tools for low-emission climate-resilient development. Insights from this event will inform the further work of the Technology Mechanism Initiative on AI for Climate Action.
Format
The events will start with a scene-setting presentation on opportunities and challenges of AI for addressing climate change in developing countries, in particular in LDCs and SIDS. This will be followed by presentations on how AI is already being used for climate change adaptation and mitigation in the region. During a subsequent panel discussion different perspectives on opportunities and challenges of AI for climate action will be shared. Participants will then be invited to contribute their views during a moderated discussion. The event will be rounded off with a real-time online survey to capture views of all participants in a quantitative and qualitative manner.
11:30 - 11:35 | Welcome by the Moderator
Ms. Diana Ramos, Technology Executive Committee (TEC) Liaison Officer - UNIDO
11:35 - 11:45 | Opening Remarks
Mr. Donald Cooper, Director, Transparency, UNFCCC Secretariat
Representative of the incoming UNFCCC COP 28 Presidency (tbc)
11:45 - 11:55 | Scene setting presentation: AI for climate action in developing countries
Mr. Bill Wright, Founder and Chair, Enterprise Neurosystem
11:55 - 12:40 | Presentations: AI-powered climate solutions in Asia & Pacific
- AI-powered decarbonization platform
Ms.Naina Verghese, Director of Strategy & Growth, Unravel Carbon
- Biosphere reserves and adaptative measures – options to use AI for climate action
Mr. Ryuichi Fukuhara, Techncal Advisor for Natural Sciences, UNESCO Regional Office
- High-Carbon Stock Approach for forest conservation and climate mitigation
Dr. Ruth Schmidt, Advisor, FAIR Forward-Artificial Intelligence for All, Economic and Social Development, Digitalization, GIZ
- Innovation for a Sustainable Future: AIIB’s AI-powered Solutions & Initiatives for Climate Action
Yingrou Zhu, AI Processes, Climate/Environment, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
12:40 - 13:10 | Panel discussion: Opportunities and challenges of AI for climate action in Asia & Pacific
Mr. Ping Zhong, Member, Technology Executive Committee
Mr. Bill Wright, Founder and Chair, Enterprise Neurosystem
Mr. Fernando Barrio, Director of Internationalisation, Queen Mary University of London
Ms. Karlina Octaviany, Advisor, Economic and Social Development, Digitalization, GIZ
Dr. Mohd Adib Ibrahim, Director, Solar Energy Research Institute, The National University of Malaysia
Mr. Dennis Mombauer, Director, Research & Knowledge Management, SYLCAN Trust Global
Guiding questions:
13:10 - 13:20 | Discussion with the audience
13:20 - 13:25 | Real-time survey by participants on AI for climate action in Asia & Pacific
13:25 - 13:30 | Wrap-up and closing
Ms. Bhava Dhungana, Programme Officer, Technology Sub-Division, UNFCCC Secretariat