AI and the Accelerate 2050 conference

Singapore’s Super Tree Grove at Gardens by the Bay. Is this the future of cities?

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, has the power to transform our world, helping farmers plant seeds and water plants at the right time. It can help develop solutions in renewable energy so we can scale climate solutions that help wean the world off oil and plastics. But when it comes to AI, we need some kind of global consensus on a couple of things: what do we define is “good” for the planet, and what do we want the future to look like? Global leaders are coming together these questions and fresh challenges and opportunities in AI.

This event announcement comes off the heels of an AI and the planet UN project that includes 193 UNESCO signatories –– with some of the countries being the most violent on earth. Now is the time to wake up stakeholders to build the foundations of AI so we can truly use it for good.

The Accelerate 2050 conference in Brindisi, Italy, brings together visionaries, innovators, and leaders to address global challenges in AI. One of the key focus areas is AI for Good, leveraging artificial intelligence to solve pressing societal and environmental issues. This initiative is not just about technology but about creating a positive impact on humanity and the planet.

The conferences bring together experts from various sectors—including investors, companies, consultants, non-profits, and government officials—to discuss and promote sustainable practices and innovations.

Key Features of Accelerate 2050 Conferences:

The conferences cover a range of topics such as climate technology, renewable energy, carbon markets, biodiversity, impact investing, and the role of artificial intelligence in promoting sustainability. Events have been held in multiple locations, including New York City and Santa Monica, California. For instance, the New York event took place on May 8-9, 2024, at the New York Society for Ethical Culture Building. The Santa Monica event was held on November 6-7, 2024, at the Expert Dojo.

One of the topics is AI for Good which refers to the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence to tackle challenges like climate change, poverty, healthcare accessibility, and more. It emphasizes using AI not just for profit but to improve lives and promote sustainability. This includes:

Environmental Conservation: AI models to monitor biodiversity and carbon emissions.
Social Impact: Enhancing education, healthcare, and community development.
Ethical AI: Ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability in AI systems.

How Other Generations and Skill Sets Can Contribute

AI for Good isn’t just for the tech-savvy; it requires diverse experiences and interdisciplinary approaches. Here’s how people from different generations and backgrounds can participate:

Mentoring and Leadership:Experienced professionals can mentor young AI enthusiasts, guiding them on ethical considerations and societal impacts.

Policy and Ethics:Those with backgrounds in law, sociology, or public policy can contribute to creating ethical frameworks and guidelines for AI deployment.

Creatives and Communicators: Designers, writers, and educators are needed to make AI solutions accessible and understandable to non-technical audiences. Storytelling and communication strategies can help raise awareness about the impact of AI for Good.

The meeting provides a great chance to network with people in AI who share similar goals. Some of the confirmed speakers include:

Vanessa Adams – Level4International
A consultant service that focuses on international development, aiming to drive social impact and sustainability.
Saeed Al Dhaheri – AI UNESCO / AI Ethicist
Specializes in AI ethics, ensuring responsible AI deployment globally.
Niclas Andersson – Untap
A water from air business.
Fiona Banister – Decarbonized.org
Advocates for environmental sustainability through decarbonization initiatives.
Brian Bartholomeusz – Stanford – TomKat Center
Leads efforts in energy innovation and tech transfer at Stanford University.
Karl Burkart – One Earth (Invited)
Focuses on environmental sustainability, leveraging technology for conservation.
Michael Capponi – GEM
Leads global empowerment and humanitarian aid initiatives. Global Empowerment Mission was formed in response to the 2010 Haiti Earthquake to deliver the most amount of aid, to the most amount of people in need, in the shortest amount of time and with the least amount of costs to donors.
Claudia D’Andrea – Tetra Tech
Tetra Tech is a global consulting and engineering services firm that provides a wide range of services related to environmental, infrastructure, and energy sectors.
Edivando Vitor do Couto – Alteromani
Focuses on renewable energy and sustainable solutions.
Jillian Dyszynski – American Forest Foundation
Works on environmental conservation and forestry initiatives.
Gene Eidelman – Azure Printed Homes
Pioneers sustainable housing solutions using advanced manufacturing techniques.
Brian Fairhurst – Anthropogenic
Utilizes advanced impact intelligence to address environmental challenges.