Talal Abu-Ghazaleh

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by all UN Member States in 2015 as a shared framework for addressing poverty, inequality, education, environmental protection and institutional development, providing a practical structure for cooperation between governments, the private sector and civil society. My involvement in several UN bodies, including my service as Chair of the UN Global Alliance for ICT and Development and as Vice Chair of the UN Global Compact, allowed me to contribute to discussions on how technology and knowledge systems can support these goals. AI now brings new tools to the achievement of the SDGs, which must be used to accelerate progress toward them.
AI can help organizations understand complex challenges by improving data analysis and enabling faster decision-making that neatly coincides with SDG 16, to develop peace, justice and strong governmental institutions. It can support early warning systems for environmental risks and public health issues, and it can help unify datasets that are often inconsistent or incomplete. These advantages are meaningful, although they do not replace the need for sound regulation, stable infrastructure and trained professionals. Countries that lack these foundations will not benefit from AI at the same pace as those that have already built them.

Education is central to SDG 4, which calls for inclusive and quality learning opportunities. AI can expand access to learning materials, support students with disabilities and help teachers prepare lessons more efficiently. It can also provide instant feedback that allows students to learn at a pace suited to them. These benefits require updated curricula, trained educators and clear policies on data protection. My work in establishing educational and training institutions has shown that technology succeeds only when teachers and administrators receive proper support.
AI can also strengthen social innovation in ways that support SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth and SDG 10 on reducing inequalities. Local entrepreneurs often understand community better than large institutions, where AI can help them analyze data, improve operations and reach wider audiences. Programs that support women and girls in acquiring digital and managerial skills contribute directly to SDG 5 on gender equality. These initiatives must be designed carefully to ensure that they reach underserved communities and provide practical skills that can be applied directly.
Environmental applications of AI relate closely to SDG 13 on climate action and SDG 15 on life on land. AI can help process data from satellites, sensors and scientific projects to improve biodiversity monitoring and climate related assessments. These tools can help unify inconsistent datasets and support more accurate environmental reporting. They are useful, although they must be accompanied by investment in local scientific capacity. Environmental solutions that rely only on imported tools without building local expertise rarely achieve long-term results.
Agriculture is another area where AI can support sustainable practices that align with SDG 2 on zero hunger. Farmers can use AI-based tools to make data-driven decisions that improve soil health, reduce waste and strengthen resilience to climate change. These tools must be accessible and supported by training programs that allow farmers to use them effectively.

Here I have highlighted many ways in which AI can contribute to the achievement of the SDGs when it is used responsibly, transparently and with clear governance. It however, cannot replace human judgment, nor compensate for weak institutions. Policymakers should focus on building digital skills, strengthening regulatory frameworks and ensuring that AI tools serve public needs, as the output will only be of value if detailed input is available. AI is not a replacement for incompetency, poor governance structures, nor is it a silver bullet that will resolve inequities.

In term of SGD progress, there has been some made in areas such as education, health, energy access and digital inclusion, although the pace remains uneven across regions. The world is not on track to achieve the SDGs by 2030, and many targets require faster and more coordinated action. They require steady progress, serious cooperation and practical action, which AI can help achieve.