AI for United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

  1. Mirza Abdul Aleem Baig
  2. Jingchen Huang
  3. Jingzehua Xu

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Abstract

The UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs) emphasizes addressing poverty, inequality, environmental sustainability, and economic growth. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a pivotal technology capable of accelerating progress towards these goals. This perspective explores the potential of AI to address environmental, social, and ethical challenges related to the SDGs. The verdicts indicate that AI can significantly enhance healthcare, education, environmental protection, economic growth, and gender equality. Specific applications include renewable energy optimization, waste management, disease detection, personalized education, and the promotion of gender equality. The perspective also highlights the ethical concerns associated with AI development and deployment, such as algorithmic bias, data privacy breaches, and potential job displacement. To mitigate these risks and fully harness AI’s potential, the judgment recommends the implementation of intelligent automation governance systems, professional engagement, educational initiatives, and stringent regulatory frameworks. Achieving the SDGs through AI necessitates a comprehensive, ethical approach that fosters interdisciplinary research, public-private partnerships, AI literacy among the general populace, environmentally sustainable AI policies, and adherence to ethical standards. AI advancements that align with a people-centered, ethical framework for sustainability can significantly accelerate the achievement of the SDGs, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.

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  1. PREreview

    This Zenodo record is a permanently preserved version of a PREreview. You can view the complete PREreview at https://prereview.org/reviews/14658943.

    Review by Mehdi Zoghaib of : "AI for United Nations Sustainable Development Goals"

    Source: Mirza Abdul Aleem Baig and al, (2024), AI for United Nations Sustainable Development Goals", Preprint.

    Key words: AI, United Nations, Sustainable Development Goals

    Abstract

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformative potential to accelerate progress toward achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By addressing challenges in healthcare, education, environmental sustainability, economic growth, and gender equality, AI can be a cornerstone of sustainable development. However, ethical, environmental, and societal risks associated with AI deployment require robust governance and interdisciplinary collaboration.

    1. Introduction and Context - UN SDGs Framework:

    Established in 2015 with 17 interrelated goals addressing global issues like poverty, inequality, and climate change. - AI's integration into SDGs offers solutions across critical areas like healthcare, education, environmental monitoring, and economic development. Examples include predictive analytics in healthcare, adaptive learning in education, and data-driven policy tools for governance. - Ethical challenges (algorithmic bias, data privacy, job displacement) require balanced approaches.

    2. AI-Driven Solutions for SDGs - Health and Well-being (SDG 03): - AI aids in early disease detection, personalized treatments, telemedicine, and pandemic resource allocation. - Enhances healthcare access in underserved regions through virtual consultations and remote monitoring.

    Education and Gender Equality (SDG 04 & 05): - AI-driven adaptive learning platforms improve education accessibility and quality. - Language translation technologies bridge gaps for diverse populations. - AI promotes gender equality by identifying and mitigating biases in educational resources and career guidance.

    Economic Growth and Decent Work (SDG 08 & 09): - Automation, predictive analytics, and innovative technologies drive productivity and create safer workplaces. - Encourages sustainable industrial practices and infrastructure development.

    Environmental Conservation (SDG 13, 14, & 15): - AI supports climate modeling, renewable energy optimization, and biodiversity protection. - Promotes circular economy practices, such as efficient waste management and resource conservation.

    3. Challenges and Ethical Considerations - Environmental Impact:

    AI's high energy demands and carbon footprint pose risks to climate goals. - Lifecycle impacts (e.g., electronic waste, raw material sourcing) necessitate sustainable practices.

    Social Equity and Inclusion: - Algorithmic bias risks perpetuating inequalities. - Workforce displacement from automation requires reskilling initiatives.

    - Ethical Governance: - Transparent, accountable, and equitable frameworks are essential for managing AI's societal impact.

    4. Policy Recommendations

    Establish robust AI governance emphasizing accountability, fairness, and transparency, including energy-efficient models and circular economy initiatives.

    5. Conclusion

    AI's integration into SDGs holds significant promise but demands a holistic and ethical approach. Collaboration among stakeholders, interdisciplinary research, and transparent governance are critical. Emphasizing sustainability, social equity, and ethical principles is key to ensuring AI accelerates SDG progress without exacerbating existing challenges.

    Competing interests

    The author declares that they have no competing interests.

  2. Version published to 10.31224/3866