GeSI at COP29: Transformative Solutions and Path Forward for Digital

Baku, Azerbaijan — The 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 29) marked a significant milestone for the integration of digital technology into global climate strategies. GeSI played a pivotal role in driving this agenda forward, showcasing digital innovation and through a series of high-impact engagements, underscoring the transformative potential of digital solutions in achieving climate goals.

Breaking Ground at COP 29

GeSI attended COP 29 with three key objectives and achieved notable success in each area:

1. Launch of the UN Global Innovation Hub (UN GIH) Digital Platform: In partnership with the UNFCCC and Unipartner, GeSI unveiled this ground-breaking initiative. The platform is to be designed as a dynamic marketplace connecting cities, scientists, financial institutions, and digital solution providers, fostering collaboration with AI-driven capabilities for ongoing learning and improvement. You can learn more about the initiative here.
2. Strengthening Partnerships with UNFCCC on Climate Adaptation: Building on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the UNFCCC Climate Adaptation division, GeSI expanded its engagement with key financial stakeholders, including the Green Climate Fund, the Climate Adaptation Fund, and UNEP Finance.
3. Amplifying Member Solutions and Expertise: GeSI showcased innovative solutions from its members, positioning them as leaders in sustainability and technology during pivotal discussions with policymakers and global stakeholders.

Milestones in Digital Climate Action

A defining feature of COP 29 was the formal inclusion of “Digital Day” in the conference proceedings, a recognition of the essential role of digital technologies in driving climate solutions. GeSI participated across 11 sessions, highlighting topics ranging from AI for climate action to green data infrastructure. Notable sessions included:

• The UN GIH Digital Platform Announcement, featuring GeSI CEO Luis Neves alongside Unipartner and Google Cloud leaders.
• AI for Climate Action, exploring the potential of artificial intelligence to address climate challenges.
• Advancing Climate Adaptation with Digital Technology, a collaborative effort with NEC, IBM, and TCS to showcase cutting-edge solutions for climate resilience.

Session recordings from COP 29 are available from the links below.

Looking Ahead to COP 30

As COP 29 concludes, preparations are already underway for COP 30 in Belém, Brazil. The milestone event is expected to draw an even larger global audience and GeSI is committed to being a significant stakeholder throughout the event.

GeSI invites its members to actively engage in early planning for COP 30. By working together, we will amplify the voice of the digital technology sector in global climate discussions and drive actionable change.