High-Level Green Digital Action Roundtable on AI
Time: 16 November, 09:00-11:00
Venue: Special Event Room No. 2
Convened by: COP31 Presidency and International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
Background
Digital technologies continue to transform societies, economies and climate action worldwide. Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly embedded in the technologies people use every day, from digital services and critical infrastructure to intelligent assistants and emerging AI agents capable of supporting increasingly complex tasks and decisions. From climate modelling and environmental monitoring to energy system optimization, disaster preparedness and industrial efficiency, AI is already supporting climate mitigation, adaptation and resilience. The continued evolution and deployment of AI is expected to further expand its role across economies and societies.
The rapid growth of AI is increasing demand for electricity, computing infrastructure, water and critical materials. According to the International Energy Agency and the UN University, by 2030 AI could consume up to 945 TWh of electricity annually, alongside 9.3 trillion litres of water, respectively. As AI adoption accelerates, there is increasing recognition of the importance of ensuring that AI systems are designed, developed, deployed and managed sustainably across their full lifecycle. While significant progress has been made in developing methodologies, standards and frameworks for sustainable AI, greater implementation experience, data availability and transparency are needed to better understand AI systems, quantify both their environmental impacts and benefits, and support informed policy, investment and technology decisions.
The 2024 COP29 Declaration on Green Digital Action endorsed by 83 countries and almost 1800 non-state actors recognized the importance of reducing the climate impact of digital technologies through cleaner digital infrastructure, energy-efficient practices, circular approaches, and improved metrics and indicators to measure and monitor climate impacts. This momentum was further reinforced through the Belém Technology Programme adopted at COP30, which highlighted the role of technology cooperation and implementation in accelerating climate action.
In parallel, the UN Environment Assembly adopted the Resolution on environmental sustainability of artificial intelligence systems, reflecting growing international attention to both the environmental impacts of AI and its potential contribution to sustainable development. At the same time, broader international discussions on AI governance, including initiatives supported by the United Nations Secretary-General, have highlighted the importance of improving transparency, data availability and evidence generation to better understand the environmental implications of AI and support informed decision-making.
Building on these, COP31 offers a timely opportunity to move from recognition to delivery through the 2026 Antalya Artificial Intelligence Pledge, translating knowledge, data, standards and best practices into concrete commitments on how AI is designed, procured, powered, deployed, measured and managed in support of climate and sustainable development objectives.
The Dialogue will:
· Convene leaders from the climate, energy, and AI communities to accelerate a shared implementation agenda for sustainable AI.
· Launch the Antalya Artificial Intelligence Pledge as a platform for governments, industry and stakeholders to announce voluntary commitments across AI design, procurement, infrastructure, measurement, circularity and access.
· Encourage greater transparency, data sharing and collaboration to improve understanding of AI’s environmental impacts and benefits and support evidence-based decision-making.
· Establish a framework for monitoring progress and showcasing implementation experiences by 2030 through the COP Climate Action Agenda and the Green Digital Action initiative, in collaboration with other relevant UN bodies and initiatives.
Agenda
Opening Segment: High-level respresentatives will set the tone and underscore urgency, ambition, and deliverables.
Discussion Segments:
– Session 1: AI Measurement, Transparency and Accountability
– Session 2: Sustainable AI Infrastructure and circularity
– Session 3: Capacity Building and Skills Development
– Session 4: AI for Climate Action
Closing Segment: High-Level reflection of the discussions and presentation of next steps for the Antalya Artificial Intelligence Pledge.
Target Audience: Ministers of Environment and Digital, along with high level representatives from Private Sector, Academia and civil society.
In order to foster a results-oriented discussion, speaking opportunities will be prioritized for governments, organizations and stakeholders that are prepared to participate in the Antalya Artificial Intelligence Pledge.