Dr. Ruth Schmidt’s background as a microbial ecologist turned data scientist provides a unique perspective on the intersection of AI and sustainability. As an advisor for AI at the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ), she plays a pivotal role in promoting an open, inclusive, and sustainable approach to AI on an international level. Her leadership in research projects focusing on sustainable solutions for agriculture, food security, and climate change aligns with the session’s emphasis on AI use cases for local needs, including SDGs, climate change, and rural innovation. Dr. Schmidt’s experience in translating science into policy action and her consultancy work for organizations such as IUCN and IFAD underscore her ability to connect scientific research with practical policy applications, making her contributions highly relevant to the session.