UNDP Unveils AI Avatar Una to Champion Climate Action
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Asia-Pacific has launched Una, the world's first AI being character, as its new Environment Champion.
Una will be playing a critical role in documenting the journey of the Pacific Green Transformation Project, a joint initiative between UNDP and the Government of Japan to advance renewable energy and enhance climate resilience in the Pacific Islands.
Released in 2023, the Pacific Green Transformation Project is aimed at increasing access to clean energy, enabling national climate actions, and enhancing community resilience in four Pacific Island countries: Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Timor-Leste, and Vanuatu.
Una will be the ambassador of the project, which will connect with local communities and international fans through episodic videos and live engagement, fueling awareness and action on sustainability.
The Role of Una in Climate Action
Una's main purpose is to promote sustainable processes and encourage governments and communities to take actionable measures toward environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
With the use of AI-driven storytelling, Una will close the gap between technology and human experiences, creating an interactive and compelling platform through which the voices of Pacific Island communities are shared and the renewable energy process is told.
Kanni Wignaraja, UNDP's Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific, said, “Una signifies a groundbreaking advancement in conveying the critical need for environmental protection and nature conservation.”
She added, "By harnessing AI, we can connect with diverse audiences worldwide in dynamic, interactive, and profoundly impactful ways. Una's capacity for delivering immersive storytelling empowers us to foster collective action and meaningful conversations about climate resilience."
Una's innovation personifies the ethos of AI for Good, whereby technology augments human capabilities to build a more sustainable and equitable world for everyone.
By providing an informative yet engaging platform, Una seeks to inspire international communities to adopt sustainable decisions and harness the potential of renewable energy.
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The Future of AI in Climate Advocacy
Una's release is an important milestone in the application of AI for the common good, specifically to combat climate change. Through the power of immersive AI storytelling, Una assists in elevating the voices of those communities most affected by climate change, presenting a perspective of how renewable energy solutions can change lives.
