News facts
What: 2026 Joint Programme: NDE Forum, Capacity Building on AI for Adaptive Management in the Energy Sector, and Voluntary Technology Talk for Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
When: 14–18 September 2026
Where: Incheon and Busan, Republic of Korea
Organizers: UN Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) and Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), in collaboration with Google DeepMind
Held alongside: World Climate Industry Expo 2026
Climate technology focal points from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) will gather in the Republic of Korea for a five-day joint programme focused on strengthening climate technology cooperation, exploring the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in resilient energy systems, and connecting countries directly with emerging technology solutions.
Organized by the UNEP-hosted Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), in collaboration with Google DeepMind, the programme brings together National Designated Entities (NDEs), technology experts, international organizations and technology solution providers in Incheon and Busan.
Building on the first global SIDS NDE gathering in 2025, the 2026 Forum will provide a dedicated platform for island countries to share experiences and lessons from climate technology initiatives, identify common priorities and strengthen cooperation on technology solutions tailored to the particular vulnerabilities and needs of SIDS.
A central focus of this year’s programme will be the application of AI for adaptive management in the energy sector. Through capacity building sessions and exchanges with technology experts, participants will explore how AI and other digital tools can support decision-making, strengthen adaptive management and improve the viability and resilience of energy solutions in countries highly exposed to climate impacts.
The programme will also connect NDEs with emerging climate technologies and technology providers through the CTCN’s Voluntary Technology Talk. Since 2023, the VTT programme has supported 92 NDEs globally and facilitated the exploration of more than 300 climate technologies across sectors.
This year’s VTT will take place at the World Climate Industry Expo 2026 in Busan, under the theme “Energy for AI & AI for Energy.” The Expo will provide participating SIDS with direct exposure to technology solutions and opportunities to engage with public and private sector innovators and explore potential partnerships.
Together, the three components of the programme aim to help SIDS move from identifying technology needs towards practical solutions, stronger partnerships and system-level approaches that can support climate-resilient development.
Speakers include:
Ariesta Ningrum, Director, Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) (opening remarks, recorded)
Mr. LEE Chan Young, Director of Nuclear Fusion Energy and Environmental Technology Division, Ministry of Science and ICT, Republic of Korea (welcome remarks)
Lee Nam-Joo, Director General of Incheon Metropolitan City’s Climate and Energy Bureau (remarks)
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Notes for editors
Quotes
“Small Island Developing States are on the frontlines of climate change, and technology can play a critical role in strengthening their resilience. This Forum is an opportunity to bring SIDS together around their shared priorities, learn from practical experience and explore how emerging tools, including artificial intelligence, can support more adaptive and resilient energy systems.”
- Ariesta Ningrum, Director, Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN)
“Climate technology cooperation should go beyond identifying needs and lead to solutions that can be tested, applied and scaled. This Forum provides an important opportunity to connect the priorities of Small Island Developing States with scientific and technological innovation, strengthen practical capabilities in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, and foster partnerships that can translate innovation into effective climate solutions.”
Mr. LEE Chan Young, Director of Nuclear Fusion Energy and Environmental Technology Division, Ministry of Science and ICT, Republic of Korea
“This is a meaningful opportunity to share climate technology experiences and knowledge with Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which are particularly vulnerable to climate change, and to explore ways to address the climate crisis through innovative technologies such as AI.” The Director General added, “Incheon will continue to strengthen cooperation with international organizations and countries around the world to share climate technologies and actively contribute to a sustainable and resilient energy transition.”
Lee Nam-Joo, Director General of Incheon Metropolitan City’s Climate and Energy Bureau
About the Climate Technology Centre and Network (UN CTCN)
The CTCN is the implementation arm of the Technology Mechanism of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), hosted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It promotes the accelerated transfer of environmentally sound technologies for low-carbon and climate-resilient development at the request of developing countries, drawing on a global Network of over 1,000 member organisations across 165 countries.