Inaugural Global AI for Sustainability Best Practice Competition Launches in Hangzhou
On September 23, during the 5th Global Digital Trade Expo in Hangzhou, the inaugural Global AI for Sustainability Best Practice Competition was officially launched at the expo's premiere stage.
The competition is organized by the Hong Kong-based Global New Industrial Revolution Alliance (NIRA), the Austria-based World Economic Council (WEC), and Belgian think tank Etion, with support from the AI for Sustainability Center, Sirui Think Tank, the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Industry Association, Hangzhou Municipal Commerce Bureau, and Hangzhou Venture Capital Association.
Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the competition features five tracks and invites global submissions of practical cases where AI empowers sustainable development. Submissions are open from September 23, 2026 to March 31, 2027. Evaluations will consider technological innovation, contribution to sustainable development, economic benefits, implementation results, and scalability, with additional attention to accessibility and affordability for solutions targeting the Global South.
Wu Yabin, Secretary-General of NIRA and Executive Director of the AI for Sustainability Center, said the competition aims to connect innovative teams, application scenarios, industry partners, investors, and international markets, helping valuable technologies move from case studies to cooperation and broader application.
The finals and award ceremony are planned for the second half of 2027, followed by publication of a case collection and a series of sustainable AI+ industry events.
