“Imagine a hospital without electricity or a small business without lights.”

This powerful opening was delivered by Saudi Arabia in today’s first session of the UNEP. The UNEP, consisting of all UN member nations, is meeting in Toronto this May to discuss clean energy and artificial intelligence.

The primary speakers list included many opinions on the superior topic of interest but there was a clear divide as to which countries chose which topic. Majority of the second and third world nations including Yemen, Guatemala, and D.R. Congo were concerned with Topic A: Expanding Developing Countries’ Access to Clean Energy rather than Topic B: Minimizing the Environmental Impacts of Artificial Intelligence. While on the other end, the first world nations preferred the latter topic due to their higher stakeholder value.

As the world accommodates for new companies like Nvidia taking control of the American markets, it is clear which countries prioritize AI impacts in society. One important clarification, however, made by environmental philanthropist Thea Silver was that although many wish to speak to the environmental impacts of AI specifically, it is important to remember that AI needs energy to draw from. Thus, AI itself depends on clean energy usage which is discussed in Topic A.

Delegates really enjoyed the presence of this expert to share technical information that might not have been obvious to the political crowd.

There was an interesting addition by the Korean delegate who had a circuit that showed the importance behind having both developed and developing nations contribute. It showed how a light will turn on but only be brighter with the help of developed nations as well (a switch) and regulations (another switch). Suggestions were also made regarding expediting energy permits by Spain and Panama. Also, the Netherlands suggested a collaboration between the AU and EU.