How can artificial intelligence help the world meet its most urgent sustainability goals—without creating new risks along the way? That question was at the heart of the 2025 International Conference on AI for a Sustainable Society (ICAISS2025), held November 13-14 at Academia Sinica in Taipei. Researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers from around the world gathered to explore how AI can meaningfully support environmental protection, social equity, and responsible governance.
AI’s Expanding Role in a Sustainable Future
The conference spotlighted a shared global challenge: we need innovation in both technology and sustainability at the same time. This “dual transformation” shaped discussions throughout the event, from climate resilience and green finance to AI governance and social impacts.
To set the tone, the opening ceremony blended a chamber ensemble, a DJ, and AI-generated visuals as an artistic reminder that human creativity and digital tools can work together to drive change.
Four keynote speakers offered diverse perspectives on what responsible, sustainable AI could look like:
- Academician C.-C. Jay Kuo (University of Southern California) examined whether “Green AI” is truly achievable.
- Academician Ruey S. Tsay (University of Chicago Booth School of Business) discussed how AI can support better financial decision-making, ESG planning, and long-term societal well-being.
- Dr. Camilo Alejo (Future Earth Canada Hub) highlighted “smart synergy,” showing how AI can strengthen Nature-based Solutions and help create more just and sustainable systems.
From Climate to Finance: Turning Ideas Into Action
Across more than ten sessions and forums, presenters demonstrated how AI is already shaping real-world solutions:
- Climate & Environment: AI tools for achieving net-zero goals, strengthening the circular economy, supporting NBS, and improving early warning systems for disasters like debris flows.
- Finance & Economy: Applications in FinTech, green investment strategies, and sustainable business operations.
- Policy & Governance: Frameworks for fair, transparent, and inclusive AI use—ensuring innovation benefits society as a whole.
A major strength of ICAISS2025 was the active exchange between academic researchers and industry practitioners, including teams from Salesforce Taiwan, Alpha FinTech, and emerging startups. These conversations helped bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring research efforts align with on-the-ground needs.
Setting A New Benchmark for Responsible Innovation
ICAISS2025 demonstrated Taiwan’s growing leadership at the intersection of AI development and sustainability science. More importantly, it fostered a global community committed to making sure advanced technologies contribute to a healthier planet and more equitable society.
The organizers aim to keep this momentum going through continued international collaboration and open knowledge exchange, which are essential ingredients for building a future where AI supports resilience, creativity, and shared prosperity.
More information: https://sites.google.com/view/icaiss-tw-2025/home-%E9%A6%96%E9%A0%81
