Freiburg, 20 February 2025
As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes urban governance ICLEI Europe, in collaboration with Google.org and the Centre for Public Impact (CPI), is launching a free, four-week online AI training to help European city officials harness AI for climate action. The program, developed by Minnalearn and the University of Helsinki, equips participants with practical AI knowledge through self-paced study and interactive workshops.
AI is already transforming urban sustainability, as demonstrated in projects like the ICLEI Action Fund. With policies such as the EU Green Deal and the Artificial Intelligence Act, cities must integrate AI responsibly. This multilingual training supports officials in navigating AI’s opportunities and challenges.
ICLEI Europe will train 170 officials in cohorts of 10 from environmental, climate, and sustainability departments across European cities. Running from 2025 to 2026, the course covers AI applications, machine learning, large language models, and critical issues like bias, privacy, and governance.
Course Structure
The training program includes an introduction to AI and its role in urban governance followed by the Fundamentals of AI, where participants will explore key AI concepts, definitions, and philosophical perspectives. During the second week, the course will delve into Machine Learning and Neural Networks, covering machine learning techniques, large language models, and their applications in government. Participants will gain hands-on experience with AI tools and map their work to industry AI developments. This will be followed by a deep dive into AI Implications and Experimentation, where participants will identify AI’s societal implications, experiment with AI-driven solutions, and analyse issues like bias, privacy, and algorithmic decision-making. In its final week, the course will unpack AI’s Role in Public Service, focusing on AI's future in governance, decision-making, and sustainability. The course culminates in a practical project presentation and certification.
Key Benefits
- Flexible and interactive with participants engaging in self-paced study and live workshops, requiring 4 weeks (16 hours) in total.
- Networking opportunities connecting a growing network of public officials applying AI in climate and urban planning.
- ICLEI Members will get priority access, guaranteed 50% of the seats in the course, and exclusive support and follow-up from an ICLEI guide.
- Professional certification for participants completing the course and the opportunity to meet their cohort at major European events such as EURESFO in Rotterdam and Water Xchange in Freiburg.
How to Apply
Applications for the first cohorts beginning in early April 2025 are now open, with further cohorts available over the next two years. The deadline to apply is March 10, 2025. To secure a spot, apply here.
Google.org, Google’s philanthropic arm, is dedicated to leveraging technology and resources to address pressing global challenges. Through the AI Opportunity Fund, Google.org supports skills development initiatives to ensure that AI literacy is accessible to public sector workers and communities across Europe.
The Centre for Public Impact is a global non-profit organisation that works with governments, philanthropy, civil society, and communities to reimagine government so it works for everyone. As the administrator of the AI Opportunity Fund, CPI supports organisations like ICLEI Europe to bring AI skills training to those who need it most.
ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability is a global network of more than 2,500 local and regional governments committed to sustainable urban development. Active in 125 countries, we influence sustainability policy and drive local action for low-emission, nature-based, equitable, resilient, and circular development. ICLEI Europe provides members in Europe, the Middle East, and West Asia with a voice on European and international stages, a platform to connect with peers, and tools to drive positive environmental, economic, and social change.
