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Artificial Intelligence for the SDGs: Opportunities and Constraints
02-Apr-2026
By Talal Abu-Ghazaleh
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 as a shared framework to address poverty, inequality, education, environmental protection, and institutional development, providing a practical structure for cooperation among governments, the private sector, and civil society. Through my engagement in several UN bodies, including serving as Chair of the United Nations Global Alliance for ICT and Development, and Vice Chair of the United Nations Global Compact, I have contributed to shaping discussions on how technology and knowledge systems can support the achievement of these goals. Today, Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers new tools that can be leveraged to accelerate progress toward achieving the SDGs.
Artificial Intelligence can enhance institutional capacity to understand complex challenges by enhancing data analysis and enabling more timely decision-making, in line with SDG 16 on peace, justice, and strong institutions. It can also support early warning systems for environmental risks and public health threats, and contribute to harmonizing datasets that are often fragmented or incomplete. However, these advantages do not diminish the need for sound regulatory frameworks, stable infrastructure, and skilled human capital. Countries lacking these foundational elements are unlikely to benefit from AI at the same pace as those with well-developed institutional and technological systems.
Education is central to SDG 4, which calls for inclusive and high-quality learning opportunities. AI can expand access to educational resources, support students with disabilities, enhance teachers’ ability to design and deliver lessons more effectively. It also enables real-time feedback, allowing learners to progress at their own pace. However, realizing these benefits requires updating curricula, training teachers, and establishing clear data protection policies. Drawing on my experience in founding educational and training institutions, I have observed that the success of technology depends on providing the necessary support to educators and administrators.
AI can also foster social innovation in support of SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth, as well as SDG 10 on reducing inequalities. Local entrepreneurs often possess a deeper understanding of their communities’ needs than large institutions, and AI can help them analyze data, improve operations, and reach wider audiences. Initiatives that support women and girls in developing digital and managerial skills further contribute to SDG 5 on gender equality. However, such initiatives must be carefully designed to ensure they reach the most disadvantaged groups and equip them with practical, directly applicable skills.
Environmental applications of AI are closely aligned to SDG 13 on climate action and SDG 15 on life on land. AI can process data from satellites, sensors, and scientific projects to improve biodiversity monitoring and climate assessments. It also contributes to the standardization of fragmented datasets and supports more accurate environmental reporting. However, its effectiveness requires parallel investments in building local scientific capacity, as solutions that rely solely on imported tools, without developing local expertise, rarely achieve sustainable long-term outcomes.
The agricultural sector is another area where AI can support sustainable practices, in alignment with SDG 2 on zero hunger. AI-enabled tools can assist farmers in making data-driven decisions that improve soil health, reduce waste, and strengthen resilience to climate change. However, to realize these benefits, such tools must be accessible and complemented by training programs that enable farmers to use them effectively.
This discussion has outlined several ways in which AI can contribute to achieving the SDGs when deployed responsibly, transparently, and within a clear governance framework. However, it cannot replace human judgment or compensate for weak institutions. Policymakers must focus on building digital skills, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and ensuring that AI tools serve the public interest. Ultimately, the value of outputs depends on the availability of accurate and detailed inputs. AI is neither a substitute for competence or good governance, nor a panacea for inequality.
With regard to progress toward the SDGs, some advances have been achieved in areas such as education, health, energy access, and digital inclusion. However, progress remains uneven across regions and the world is not on track to meet these goals by 2030, as many targets require faster and more coordinated action. Achieving them requires sustained progress, genuine cooperation, and practical measures and efforts that artificial intelligence can help support and accelerate.