Publication date: December 12, 2025 05:00 (EAT)
President William Samoyei Ruto attended the official opening ceremony of the high-level part of the Seventh United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA7) at the UN facility in Gigiri, along with Environment CS Deborah Balasa, PS Festus Geno, UNON Zainab Hawa Bangura, UNEP ED Inger Andersen, and Kenya’s Permanent Representative to UNON and UNEP Abobu Namwamba. Photo | Courtesy
Audio with Vocalize
Kenya has emerged as a global pioneer after successfully defending the first-ever UN resolution on the environmental sustainability of artificial intelligence (AI) at the Seventh United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7).
This landmark decision not only elevates Kenya’s place in global environmental and technology diplomacy, but also signals a decisive shift in how Africa’s voice will shape how rapidly evolving technologies intersect with our planet’s future.
For the first time in UN history, a resolution was adopted to comprehensively consider the environmental aspects of AI. This addresses the rapidly growing ecological footprint of AI systems, including energy and water consumption, mineral extraction, and land pressure. At the same time, it highlights the transformative potential of AI in supporting climate resilience, biodiversity protection, and environmental monitoring.
AI is reshaping societies and economies around the world, including Kenya. But that explosive growth comes with hidden environmental costs. Data centers require vast water and power resources, while global competition for critical minerals continues to intensify. Like many African countries, Kenya faces these risks, but has long lacked a platform to shape global norms for sustainable AI governance.
By supporting this historic resolution, Kenyan leaders ensured that Africa will no longer be a passive participant, but an active contributor in defining how AI impacts people and the planet. The continent faces severe climate vulnerabilities, limited data center infrastructure, and large gaps in environmental data, factors that make sustainable AI adoption urgent and essential.
The resolution affirms that AI systems should be environmentally responsible, that AI should strengthen environmental protection and climate action, and that developing countries should have fair access to high-quality, interoperable environmental data. It also calls for global support to help countries build sovereign AI capacity and directs UNEP to strengthen scientific understanding of the environmental impacts of AI within the framework of the Global Digital Compact.
Ambassador Philip Tigo, Kenya’s technology envoy, said the resolution calls for Africa to become a decisive force in the AI revolution.
“This resolution recognizes that artificial intelligence will shape our planet as deeply as it shapes our economies. Africa cannot afford to be a bystander to this transformation. We must shape an AI future that is sustainable, inclusive, and grounded in environmental stewardship.”
He also expressed his gratitude for the spirit of global cooperation shown by all delegations, especially the European Union, the United Kingdom and the African Group, with special support from Egypt.
“Together, we have ensured that voices from all regions, including the Global South, will be part of defining how intelligence serves people and the planet.”
Kenya’s success confirms the country’s growing influence in international diplomacy and reflects the government’s commitment to advancing science, technology and environmental management through meaningful global partnerships.
For Kenyans, this is not just a diplomatic victory, but an expression of hope and agency. It affirms that Kenya can contribute to shaping innovative, just and sustainable technological solutions for the world.
