Barcelona, November 14h, 2024

ICLEI Europe has been selected by the Centre for Public Impact [1] (CPI) to receive support from the Google.org AI Opportunity Fund. This initiative is set to equip public officials across European cities with vital AI skills, helping them navigate the transformations brought on by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Focussed on local climate action, the project will empower city officials and regional government employees to make informed, impactful decisions through a deeper understanding of AI technology.

Through this partnership, ICLEI Europe will deliver customised AI training to 170 officials from environmental, climate and sustainability departments across European cities and regions. Offered online and available in multiple languages, this four-week training series will run from 2025 to 2026 equipping participants with fundamental AI concepts to strengthen their professional skill set. By leveraging expertise from CPI and Google.org, this programme aims to close the knowledge gap and foster resilience, ensuring long-term success, as AI technology will support the public sector in its sustainability journey.

“At the Centre for Public Impact, we’re committed to inclusive growth and ensuring that AI skills and capabilities are accessible to everyone, especially those facing barriers to participating in the digital economy,” Helen Stevenson, Senior Manager at CPI and AI Opportunity Fund Lead. “With funding from the Google.org AI Opportunity Fund, we’re empowering communities across Europe, equipping them with the AI tools and targeted training to build more secure, resilient futures. We’re delighted to support forward-thinking organisations like ICLEI, who share our vision of closing the digital skills gap and building a more inclusive, equitable economy. By providing knowledge, confidence, and capabilities needed to harness the benefits of AI, we aim to make real progress toward this goal.”

Alis Daniela Torres, Head of Green Digital Transformation at ICLEI Europe mentioned: “ICLEI Europe is happy to be part of the AI Opportunity Fund accelerating cities´s climate action by equipping local and regional government officials with crucial AI skills. These skills will enable them to harness AI's potential, take new opportunities, identify AI-driven environmental and climate solutions in their territories, and ensure its sustainable adoption. We look forward to working with public officials at all levels of government and leveraging our extensive network of cities across Europe.”

Google.org [2], Google’s philanthropic arm, is dedicated to using the best of Google’s technology and resources to address some of humanity’s biggest challenges. Through the AI Opportunity Fund, Google.org supports skilling initiatives that provide workers, particularly those needing additional support, with the foundational AI skills required for future success.

The Centre for Public Impact [3] is a global non-profit organisation that works with governments, philanthropy, civil society, and communities to reimagine government so it works for everyone.

As the administrator of the AI Opportunity Fund, funded by Google.org, CPI supports organisations like ICLEI Europe to ensure that AI skills development reaches those who need it most.

Read more about the Google.org AI Opportunity Fund [4].

About ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability: ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability [5] is a global network of more than 2,500 local and regional governments committed to sustainable urban development. Active in 125 countries, we influence sustainability policy and drive local action for low-emission, nature-based, equitable, resilient and circular development. ICLEI Europe [6] provides members in Europe, the Middle East and West Asia with a voice on European and international stages, a platform to connect with peers, and tools to drive positive environmental, economic and social change. ICLEI Europe works closely with an extended network of local and regional governments and partners on a broad range of topics.