Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly emerging as a transformative tool in the global fight against climate change, and policymakers, technologists, and climate stakeholders gathered in Dar es Salaam this week to explore its potential at the UNFCCC Technology Executive Committee AI for Climate Action Forum 2025.
The two-day hybrid forum, hosted at the Johari Rotana Hotel, seeks to accelerate local development and deployment of AI-powered solutions for climate adaptation and mitigation across Africa and the globe.
Opening the forum today, Professor Peter Msoffe, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Tanzania’s Vice President’s Office, highlighted the urgency of integrating AI into climate action strategies.
“We gather here to focus on local AI solutions that can accelerate meaningful climate action at a time of unprecedented urgency,” he said. “The impacts of the climate crisis are intensifying, and AI presents both tremendous opportunities and responsibilities.”
Prof. Msoffe emphasized the need for AI, particularly agro-intelligence, to serve as a force multiplier for climate resilience in Africa and Europe.
He outlined five key objectives for the forum: showcasing local AI innovations, creating enabling policy environments, addressing data and infrastructure gaps, recognizing excellence through the AI for Climate Action Awards 2025, and synthesizing actionable recommendations for sustained progress.
“AI must be equitable, inclusive, grounded in trust, and guided by our shared values,” he said. “Together, we can ensure that these technologies save people, communities, and our planet—not the other way around.”
The forum brought together a diverse mix of participants, including policymakers, researchers, innovators, and representatives from development organizations.
Among the key partners supporting the event were the UNFCCC Technology Mechanism, the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN), and COICA, the African organization promoting climate innovation.
AI: Opportunities and Challenges
Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, underscored AI’s growing role in climate solutions.
“AI has emerged as one of the most powerful tools available to accelerate climate action,” he said.
He added that, “We are already seeing applications that optimize energy and land use, monitor greenhouse gas emissions, map climate resilience, strengthen early warning systems, improve water and food security, and manage supply chains.”
Yet Stiell cautioned that AI comes with risks, including the digital divide, algorithmic biases, and challenges around data governance, privacy, and energy efficiency. He stressed that responsible management of these risks is critical.
“If left unaddressed, these challenges could widen inequalities and undermine the quality of climate action. But when approached responsibly, the benefits of AI far outweigh the risks,” he said.
According to him, for Africa, the stakes are particularly high.
The continent’s youthful population, expanding digital connectivity, and urgent need for climate resilience create fertile ground for locally relevant AI innovations.
Yet digital infrastructure gaps, skills shortages, and investment barriers remain pressing challenges.
“Forums like this are vital for transforming potential into reality,” Stiell noted.
He highlighted two key priorities: knowledge and frameworks.
Capacity building and training are essential to cultivate a skilled AI workforce rooted in local talent and grassroots innovation.
At the same time, countries must develop frameworks that enable responsible digital cooperation, ensuring inclusivity, transparency, and local relevance.
“AI achieves its full potential only when supported by strong data infrastructure and guided by principles of equity,” Stiell said.
Global Partnerships and Local Impact
The forum also emphasized the importance of international collaboration.
Ambassador Eunju Ahn of the Republic of Korea noted her government’s commitment to harnessing technological innovation to address climate change.
Korea’s Green New Deal ODA strategy, launched in 2021, has strengthened the country’s support for climate initiatives, including contributions to the UN, the Green Climate Fund, and the Global Green Growth Institute.
“Africa, as one of the regions most vulnerable to climate impacts, also holds immense potential as a global climate ally,” Ambassador Ahn said.
He added, “This forum offers a valuable opportunity to explore how AI can be combined with Africa’s resources and potential to advance global climate action.”
Potential areas of cooperation include establishing climate early warning systems, developing innovative energy solutions, supporting climate-adaptive smart agriculture, and strengthening AI capabilities among youth.
“We look forward to contributing to the newly launched AI for Climate Action initiative, jointly established by the UNFCCC and COICA, as a foundation for the active use of AI in global climate response,” she said.
Local Solutions, Global Significance
A central theme of the forum is the importance of locally driven solutions. Prof. Msoffe stressed that innovations should be rooted in local knowledge, responsive to local priorities, and driven by African expertise.
“What works in one country may not work in another,” he said, urging participants to consider local contexts while designing AI solutions.
The AI for Climate Action Awards 2025 will recognize outstanding innovations from least developed countries and small island developing states, reinforcing the forum’s focus on scaling impact and celebrating local achievements.
These awards aim to motivate innovators while showcasing solutions with potential for broader regional and global adoption.
The forum also tackles practical obstacles such as restricted access to climate data, limited financing, and capacity constraints.
Organizers view these challenges as opportunities to leapfrog outdated systems, innovate locally, and create scalable solutions.
“We must ensure discussions lead to concrete and implementable results,” Prof. Msoffe said.
Towards COP 30 and Beyond
The Dar es Salaam forum comes ahead of COP 30 in Belém, Brazil this November, where countries are expected to submit their updated climate action plans, including nationally determined contributions through 2035.
Both Stiell and Ambassador Ahn highlighted the forum as a stepping stone for stronger global cooperation and knowledge sharing, ensuring that AI contributes meaningfully to climate targets.
“Cooperation is key,” Stiell said. “Stronger international collaboration, public-private partnerships, and robust national and local innovation systems will determine whether AI fulfills its promise for climate action.”
Looking ahead
For Africa, the message is clear: the combination of youthful talent, natural resources, and growing connectivity provides a unique opportunity to lead in AI-driven climate innovation.
Global partners, including Korea and UNFCCC bodies, are supporting these efforts, but local leadership remains indispensable.
“We are at a pivotal moment,” Prof. Msoffe said in his opening remarks. “With focus, collaboration, and creativity, AI can become a true force multiplier for climate resilience, sustainable development, and the protection of our planet.”
As delegates left the Johari Rotana Hotel, the sense of urgency was palpable—but so was hope. Across the forum, participants reiterated a shared commitment: to ensure that artificial intelligence does not merely serve as a technological novelty, but as a catalyst for meaningful, measurable, and equitable climate action.