IBM strengthens its dedication to combating climate change through a collaboration with the University of Sharjah, introducing free training programs in green and technology skills.
In anticipation of COP28, IBM has unveiled additional investments in its initiatives to promote environmental sustainability via its social impact endeavors. This encompasses a strategic alliance with the University of Sharjah, pioneering water solutions destined to be expanded through the IBM Sustainability Accelerator for the benefit of local communities in the United Arab Emirates. Concurrently, a groundbreaking set of sustainability skills courses, available at no cost through IBM SkillsBuild, is set to empower individuals for future climate action.
The University of Sharjah will develop a model and application to monitor and predict water access conditions in the Middle East and North Africa, specifically aiding communities in arid and semi-arid regions with restricted access to renewable freshwater resources.
Shukri Eid, General Manager at IBM Gulf, Levant, and Pakistan, emphasized the unwavering commitment to climate action, stating, “Together, we are not just adapting to climate change; we are shaping a resilient and sustainable tomorrow.”
Dr. Adewale Giwa, Assistant Professor of Chemical and Water Desalination Engineering at the University of Sharjah, expressed pride in the collaboration, highlighting its focus on addressing environmental challenges in arid regions and leveraging technology for societal betterment.
IBM is expanding its sustainable innovation commitment through the IBM Sustainability Accelerator, concentrating on water management solutions. The program, backed by a $30 million investment in technology and services by IBM until the end of 2025, introduces five new projects addressing water management challenges, deploying IBM technologies like watsonx and engaging a network of experts.
To bridge the growing skills gap in sustainability, IBM SkillsBuild introduces the Sustainability Roadmap, offering free training that connects advanced technologies to ecological and climate change principles. With AI-powered recommendations for learners, the curriculum integrates ecology and biodiversity with technology training in AI and data analytics. The program is designed to equip the next generation of leaders with the skills required for the green economy.
IBM SkillsBuild’s comprehensive curriculum includes introductory courses to establish foundational knowledge, mid-level offerings in design thinking and green entrepreneurship, and advanced coursework requiring learners to apply their skills to sustainability challenges across AI, cybersecurity, and ESG reporting.
These initiatives align with IBM’s commitment to upskill 30 million individuals by 2030, with a specific focus on underrepresented communities. IBM SkillsBuild collaborates with social service, economic development, vocational organizations, government agencies, and universities to make free online learning widely accessible, particularly to underrepresented groups such as women reentering the workforce, ethnic minorities, low-income individuals, and refugees.
