Coalition for Digital Environmental Sustainability to Host COP31 Side Event on Sustainable AI Governance
The Coalition for Digital Environmental Sustainability (CODES) and the German Environment Agency (UBA) are organizing a side event at COP31 on November 17, 2026. Titled 'Sustainable AI for the Planet and its People? Digital Governance, Leverages and Safeguards for the Climate Transformation,' the event aims to showcase governance initiatives and practical applications demonstrating how sustainable digitalization can advance Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and support the COP31 agenda. High-level speakers from COP30 and COP31 presidencies, UNFCCC, scientific experts, and UN partners are expected to participate. The discussion will focus on bridging the gap between AI governance and climate action, addressing the growing environmental footprint of digital transformation, including data centers' electricity and water demands, resource extraction, and e-waste. The event seeks to identify governance gaps and next steps for CODES and its partners towards COP32 in 2027.