LocationsMBZUAI and UNDP partnership to advance use of artificial intelligence for sustainable development
February 16, 2024
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates : Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) inked a partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) at the sidelines of the World Governments Summit 2024 (WGS) to advance the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to meet sustainable development goals.
As part of the collaboration, the university becomes the founding knowledge partner for the UNDP’s AI for Sustainable Development Platform (AI4SDP), an initiative born out of COP28’s momentum.
The partnership aims to harness the power of AI to address critical global challenges, with a particular focus on environmental resilience, water resources management, climate adaptation, social cohesion, and reducing inequalities.
MBZUAI Vice President of Public Affairs and Alumni Relations, Sultan Al Hajji, and UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Arab States, Mr. Abdallah Al Dardari signed the important partnership on the final day of the WGS in Dubai, which took place under the theme of ‘Shaping Future Governments’ and witnessed 120 government delegations, and more than 85 international, regional, and intergovernmental organizations in attendance.
“MBZUAI is at the forefront of this effort, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to driving impactful advancements in achieving climate stability and social cohesion. Various UN agencies across the Gulf region will benefit from the AI4SDP once it is fully operational, and we are excited to be a part of this and contribute climate research, use cases, and scenarios that can be shared and implemented in the real-world,” Al Hajji said.
“We recognize the transformative power of artificial intelligence and are aware of both its potential and its risks,” said UNDP Regional Director Abdallah Al Dardari. “AI is at the forefront of innovation. Together with the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, we are committed to harnessing the potential of AI in an ethical and responsible manner. We look forward to tackling global challenges together, focusing on pressing issues in the Arab region such as managing water resources, combating climate change and reducing inequalities,” he added.
To learn more about MBZUAI’s climate research, please visit https://mbzuai.ac.ae/sustainability/
About Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI)
MBZUAI is a graduate, research university focused on artificial intelligence, computer science, and digital technologies across industrial sectors. The university aims to empower students, businesses, and governments to advance artificial intelligence as a global force for positive progress. MBZUAI offers various graduate programs designed to pursue advanced, specialized knowledge and skills in artificial intelligence, including computer science, computer vision, machine learning, natural language.
About UNDP
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet.
Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP.
To apply for admission, visit mbzuai.ac.ae or contact admissions@mbzuai.ac.ae. For press inquiries, please contact:
Aya Sakoury, MBZUAI’s Head of Communications
Amy Rogers, MBZUAI’s Senior Communications Specialist
Roger Field/Aya Hassan
Wallis PR
Fatma Elzahraa Yassin, Regional Communication Advisor a.i.
