IBM (NYSE: IBM) has announced a new request for proposals from government and nonprofit organizations aligned with United Nations SDG 11. This is for the IBM Sustainability Accelerator program, which focuses on technology-driven projects aimed at advancing city resiliency. The program applies IBM technology, including IBM Watson, an AI and data platform, and AI assistants, to support populations vulnerable to environmental threats around the world. IBM has also announced a 50% increase in investment in the pro-bono social impact program, committing to making up to $45 million in cash and in-kind donations of technology and services available over the next five years. Each year, a new RFP and sustainability topic will be announced.
According to UN Habitat, the world will continue to urbanize over the next three decades, with the share of people living in urban areas increasing from 56% in 2021 to 68% by 2050. However, the disproportionate impacts of climate change can challenge capacity for sustainable urban development and planning. Cities around the world are working to address priorities such as 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 recognize the success of the IBM Sustainability Accelerator by strengthening both our impact and our investment in the program,” 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, the IBM Sustainability Accelerator program will be collaborating with EY to enhance the participant experience and the program’s impact. EY will provide support during the RFP selection process, organizational development coaching from EY teams, and capacity-building workshops for the resilient cities cohort. These workshops will complement the existing leadership development and professional mentoring opportunities available to program participants.
The global RFP evaluation and selection criteria will assess the applicants’ support for communities particularly susceptible to urban environmental threats, the feasibility and sustainability of proposed technology solutions for climate change mitigation, and the applicants’ transparency in measurement and reporting, among other factors.
Nonprofit and government initiatives that focus on city resiliency and urban climate adaptation can apply to the RFP from March 6, 2024, until the end of the submission window on April 30, 2024. The selected participants will be announced later in the year.
