By Edwin Austin
At the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7), Kenya spearheaded a groundbreaking initiative that resonated throughout Africa and globally. For the first time, the United Nations has adopted a significant resolution specifically addressing the environmental sustainability of artificial intelligence (AI) systems.
This landmark decision represents a pivotal moment in global environmental governance, placing emphasis on the ecological implications and potential advantages of AI, covering aspects such as energy and water usage, mineral resource demands, land utilization pressures, and biodiversity preservation, firmly within the international discourse.
This accomplishment showcases visionary leadership coupled with widespread international collaboration. Ambassador Philip Thigo, Kenya’s Special Envoy on Technology, highlighted the profound significance of this resolution: “Africa cannot afford to be an observer in this transformation. We must shape an AI future that is sustainable, inclusive and grounded in environmental stewardship. I am grateful for the spirit of partnership shown by all delegations, especially the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the African Group, with exceptional support from Egypt.”
This resolution also assigns responsibility to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for enhancing scientific comprehension regarding AI’s environmental effects and prospects while integrating these efforts into broader UN initiatives under the Global Digital Compact framework. This action reflects a collective acknowledgment from the global community that AI’s extensive influence surpasses economic and technological spheres to encompass planetary health.
A Milestone for Africa and the Global Community
The importance of this development is particularly pronounced for Africa. Currently, AI innovation and infrastructure are predominantly controlled by a limited number of nations and major tech companies that possess substantial computing capabilities, data reserves, and sophisticated AI frameworks.
In contrast, Africa faces distinct challenges; it possesses only a minor share of global data center resources, is highly susceptible to climate change impacts, and continues to contend with significant deficiencies in environmental data along with limited technological sovereignty. If not addressed through intentional and inclusive collaboration, the rapidly growing environmental impact of AI could exacerbate global inequalities by shifting burdens onto regions least prepared to manage them.
In this context, the resolution advocated by Kenya ensures that Africa plays an active role rather than remaining merely a passive participant in crafting an AI-driven future rooted in sustainability and fairness.
It affirms that AI technologies must be developed with environmental sustainability in mind while being leveraged as vital tools to bolster climate resilience, conserve biodiversity, and restore ecosystems. Importantly, it emphasizes the need for accessible, high-quality environmental data that empowers developing nations to establish sovereign AI capabilities tailored to their specific developmental and ecological circumstances.
UNEA distinguishes itself as a universal platform where all nations engage equally, a contrast to exclusive dialogues on AI governance held among groups like G7 or G20 countries. Through this resolution, Africa’s environmental priorities alongside its scientific realities are now integral components of global discussions surrounding AI, marking a significant step toward addressing disparities and enhancing agency over emerging technologies.
A Defining Step Towards Sustainable and Inclusive AI
Beyond being merely a technical accord, this resolution encapsulates a collective vision: one where AI advances guided by equity principles alongside environmental sustainability lead to shared prosperity. It underscores Kenya’s, and by extension Africa’s, dedication to taking charge in both technology development and environmental diplomacy while positioning the continent as a key player in shaping an “age of intelligence” beneficial for both humanity and nature alike.
By endorsing this historic resolution at UNEA-7, the United Nations has established not just a precedent but also confirmed that overseeing AI’s environmental responsibilities constitutes an urgent global imperative.