IBM and World Food Program USA Collaborate on New AI Project for Resilient Cities 

Published February 11, 2025

Washington, D.C. (February 11, 2025) — Following an agreement with World Food Program USA, IBM (NYSE: IBM) and the U.N. World Food Programme (WFP), today the organizations announced a new collaboration through the IBM Sustainability Accelerator aimed at scaling up social innovation action in cities around the world. In alignment with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, the new project will develop artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to advance city resiliency and address specific challenges facing urban communities. 

At the beginning of 2024, IBM held a request for proposals (RFP) for nonprofit and government organizations, focused on technology-driven projects to advance city resiliency. Out of more than 100 applicants, WFP was one of five organizations selected to participate in this new cohort of IBM Sustainability Accelerator projects. 

Participants were selected for their significant level of support to the communities they serve, as well as the innovative ways each organization plans to leverage AI technology to build more resilient cities. Each organization will receive up to $3 million in cash and in-kind donations of technology and services. 

Through a grant to World Food Program USA, IBM will help WFP enhance its GeoTar geospatial tool with advanced AI and data capabilities. GeoTar creates vulnerability maps, helping improve operational decisions like targeting and prioritization. The new features will support WFP Country Offices that are engaged in combatting global hunger and improving food security, which can be disrupted by environmental disasters such as droughts, floods and landslides. 

“We are pleased to be working with IBM, a leader in innovation, to continue optimizing GeoTar and maximizing its impact in communities around the world that are coping with extreme weather,” said Barron Segar, World Food Program USA President and CEO. 

The IBM Sustainability Accelerator is a social innovation program that applies IBM technologies, such as hybrid cloud and AI, and an ecosystem of experts to enhance and scale nonprofit and government organization initiatives, accelerating economic impact for communities vulnerable to climate stress.  

“AI has the potential to unlock a new economic and innovation era for communities worldwide, helping people tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow. We believe that much of this potential to improve people’s lives resides in transforming cities, and this is what we are aiming to do with our AI technology and expertise,” said Justina Nixon-Saintil, IBM Vice President and Chief Impact Officer. 

IBM and WFP will collaborate over two years and in two phases. The first phase will begin with the IBM Garage, IBM’s proven methodology for accelerating digital transformation and delivering meaningful, measurable, outcomes. Next, during the Development and Implementation phase, IBM experts will configure IBM resources and technology to help participants meet their goals, as well as support pilot deployments in communities and facilitate further scaling. 

To date, 20 organizations have been part of the IBM Sustainability Accelerator supporting vulnerable populations around the world. As of last year, IBM has supported approximately 65,300 direct beneficiaries through its sustainable agriculture cohort, with approximately 1.1 million more projected to benefit from its clean energy cohort. IBM expects these resilient cities projects will benefit thousands of citizens across the world. 

About the IBM Sustainability Accelerator 

Launched in 2022, the IBM Sustainability Accelerator is a social innovation program that supports communities facing environmental and economic stress around the world, through technologies like AI and an ecosystem of experts. Each year, the program selects five new projects to develop and scale technology and AI solutions addressing topics like sustainable agriculture, clean energy, water management, resilient cities or sustainable consumption and production. For more information: https://www.ibm.com/impact/initiatives/ibm-sustainability-accelerator

About World Food Program USA   
World Food Program USA, a 501(c)(3) organization based in Washington, D.C., proudly supports the mission of the United Nations World Food Programme by mobilizing American policymakers, businesses and individuals to advance the global movement to end hunger. To support or learn more about World Food Program USA’s mission, please visit www.wfpusa.org.   

Media Contacts: 

Toula Athas 
World Food Program USA 
tathas@wfpusa.org 

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