- IBM will support projects that can help improve access to
safe drinking water for all, improve water quality by reducing
pollution, increase water-use efficiency, protect and restore
water-related ecosystems, increase sanitation management, and
reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity
- This year's RFP will have representatives from Water.org and
United Nations Development Programme as part of the selection
process
ARMONK, N.Y., March 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM)
announced today that it is accepting proposals for the next cohort
of the IBM Sustainability Accelerator, which will focus on water
management solutions. This program applies IBM technologies, such
as hybrid cloud and artificial intelligence, and an ecosystem of
experts to enhance and scale projects focused on populations
vulnerable to environmental threats.
According to the World Health Organization, over 2 billion
people live in water-stressed countries. This challenge is expected
to be exacerbated in some regions as result of climate change and
population growth.
In alignment with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal
(SDG) 6, IBM will look to support projects that help improve
equitable access to safe drinking water for all, improve water
quality by reducing pollution, increase water-use efficiency across
all sectors, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, increase
sanitation management, and reduce the number of people suffering
from water scarcity – among other purposes.
The RFP process will include input from IBM across disciplines,
and from representatives from organizations such as Water.org and
the United Nations Development Programme. The selection criteria
will consider the applicant's capacity and readiness to support
communities who are especially vulnerable to water-related threats,
technical feasibility and sustainability for the envisioned
solution, and transparency on measurement and reporting – along
with others.
"Water management for the world's most vulnerable communities is
a tremendous challenge," said IBM VP and Chief Impact Officer
Justina Nixon-Saintil. "Following
our first two cohorts on sustainable agriculture and clean energy,
now we look forward to working with organizations with initiatives
that scale technology solutions that will support communities in
overcoming water challenges, including shortages, pollution, or
conservation."
This year's RFP process will include input from Ben Mandell, Utility Services Expert at
Water.org and Mary M. Matthews, Head
of the UNDP Ocean Innovation Challenge and interim Head of Water
and Ocean Governance Programme – together with other partner
experts. They will share their input and expertise throughout the
selection cycle.
"Innovation in the water management space is key for meeting UN
SDG 6," said Mandell, one of the judges for the water cohort
selection. "Organization initiatives that are selected to
participate in the IBM Sustainability Accelerator will have a
significant opportunity to make an impact with the help of IBM's
technology, expertise, and network across its large ecosystem of
partners."
Non-profit and government initiatives focused on water
management can apply to the RFP from March
14th until the end of May
2023. The selected participants will be announced in
November 2023.
Fernando Arreaza
IBM Social Impact, ESG Media Relations Manager
Fernando.arreaza@ibm.com
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