Credit: IBM website
In line with United Nations SDG 11, IBM today announces a new request for proposals from government and non-profit organizations for the IBM Sustainability Accelerator, focused on technology-driven projects to promote resilient cities. IBM also announced that it will increase investment in the pro-bono social impact program by up to 50%, committing to make up to $＄45 million in cash and available technology and services grants available over the next five years. The IBM Sustainability Accelerator applies IBM technology, including the IBM watsonx AI and data platform, to support vulnerable populations around the world from environmental threats, with a new RFP and sustainability theme announced each year.
UN Habitat predicts that the world will continue to urbanize over the next three decades, with an increase from 56% (in 2021) to 68% (in 2050) in the share of people living in urban areas. The disproportionate impacts of climate change can challenge the capacity for sustainable urban development and planning, as cities around the world work to address priorities such as emissions levels, intensifying climate risks, environmental justice and more.
“After three years of working to improve lives and uplift vulnerable communities around the world, we are proud to recognize the success of the IBM Sustainability Accelerator for strengthening both our impact and our investment in the program,” said Justina Nixon-Saintil, Vice President and IBM Chief Impact Officer “We look forward to working with a new group 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, the program will introduce a new strategic collaboration with EY to strengthen the participant experience and amplify the impact of the IBM Sustainability Accelerator. EY will contribute to the Resilient Cities Group by providing support during the proposal selection process, organizational development coaching for teams, and capacity building workshops that will build on the leadership development and professional mentoring opportunities available to program participants.
Evaluation and selection criteria for the global RFP will consider applicants' level of support for communities especially vulnerable to urban environmental threats; the feasibility and sustainability of proposed technological solutions for climate change mitigation and transparency of applicants regarding measurement and reporting, among other considerations.
Nonprofit and government initiatives focused on city resilience and urban climate adaptation can apply to RFP from March 6, 2024, until the submission window ends on April 30, 2024. Selected participants will be announced later this year.
Questions about the IBM Sustainability Accelerator program and the new RFP can be directed to sustainability ****************accelerator＠
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