UVM is taking a leading role at the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, organizing a high-profile side event focused on the intersection of artificial intelligence and climate resilience.

The critical panel event, officially recognized by the UNFCCC and part of the UN’s Green Digital Action initiative, is spearheaded by Dr. Asim Zia, a professor in UVM’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), and a UVM GUND Institute Fellow. 

Titled “Leveraging AI-Augmented Digital Technologies for Climate Security, Adaptation and Mitigation,” the panel will take place on Saturday, November 15, from 18:30 to 20:00 (Side Event Room 5). It will be live-streamed on the UNFCCC YouTube channel.

Dr. Zia will open the session with an overview of how AI-enabled technologies—such as early warning systems, precision agriculture, and climate diplomacy tools—can support global and local efforts to build climate resilience. The event brings together a diverse group of international experts and government officials, including:

  • Dr. Musadik Masood Malik, Federal Minister for Climate Change, Pakistan (Keynote)
  • Sally Golestan, Chief Digital Officer, UNEP (Keynote)
  • Dr. Allison M. Chatchyan, Cornell University, AI-LEAF Institute & Armenian Delegation
  • Dr. Yiqi Luo, Liberty Hyde Bailey Professor, Cornell University
  • Dr. Maaz Gardezi, Virginia Tech, expert in Responsible AI and Precision Agriculture
  • Ms. Aisha Humera Moriani, Federal Secretary, Ministry for Climate Change, Pakistan
  • Ms. Nona Budoyan, Ministry of Environment, Armenia
Man standing at a lecturn
Dr. Asim Zia giving keynote at a sidepanel during COP29

The event is co-organized by UVM in partnership with UNEP, Cornell University, ENPAX, and official COP delegations, including Pakistan and Armenia. UVM’s leadership at COP30 reflects its broader commitment to interdisciplinary climate research and policy innovation. Dr. Zia, who also directs UVM’s Institute for Environmental Diplomacy and Security and co-directs the Social Ecological Gaming and Simulation Lab, has led over $70 million in research projects funded by NSF, USDA, and other agencies. [uvm.edu]

“This is a proud moment for Vermont,” said Dr. Zia. “UVM is not only contributing cutting-edge research but is also leading a global conversation on how AI innovation can accelerate climate action and improve our resilience.”

A man speaking to two other people in a formal setting

Zia’s research spans computational policy analysis, governance networks, social ecological systems, sustainable development, food, energy and water systems. This week the impact of his career was acknowledged when he was selected for induction in the National Academy of Public Administration. His leadership at COP30 reflects Vermont and UVM’s growing role in shaping international climate policy.

Man and woman standing in fromt of a sign
Dr. Zia with CALS dean Linda Prokopy at the NAPA Fellow Induction Ceremony in Washington, DC in November 2025.

The full agenda and official listing of COP30 side events is available on the UNFCCC SEORS platform, and the flyer for UVM’s event is featured on the ITU Green Digital Action page. [AI for Cli...lyer_11-05]