The Benefits of Artificial Intelligence in Achieving the UN’s 2030 Agenda

An Evaluation from the Perspective of Policymakers

The United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development outlines a comprehensive roadmap aimed at improving global living standards, safeguarding human rights, and protecting the planet. Comprised of 17 main goals and 169 targets, this plan tackles monumental challenges such as eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities, and ensuring environmental sustainability. One of the most significant technological revolutions of our time, artificial intelligence (AI), is recognized as a key catalyst for achieving these objectives. If properly directed, AI can become a powerful tool for policymakers to drive progress toward sustainable development goals (SDGs).

However, to unlock this potential, AI must be implemented through an ethical, inclusive, and globally cooperative approach. AI’s far-reaching impacts on economic, environmental, and societal levels necessitate strategic guidance. Below is a detailed evaluation of how AI can contribute to achieving the UN’s 2030 Agenda goals.

1. Eradicating Poverty (SDG 1)

Poverty is one of the most pressing global challenges, and the UN’s first goal is to eradicate it. AI can provide effective solutions in areas such as agriculture, microfinance, and rural development.

• Agriculture and Food Security: In developing countries, the agricultural sector is the primary source of livelihood for millions. AI, through smart farming systems, can significantly increase agricultural productivity. AI-based systems can analyze weather conditions, soil quality, and crop diseases, enabling farmers to make informed decisions about their crops. This is crucial in addressing the impacts of climate change and ensuring more efficient use of resources. Digital farming platforms allow farmers to use their resources more effectively and reduce food waste.
• Financial Access and Microfinance: AI can also enhance access to financial services. Risk analysis and microfinance solutions driven by AI can expand access to credit, particularly for low-income individuals. Financial institutions can use AI algorithms to conduct more precise risk assessments, making it easier for small-scale entrepreneurs to secure funding.

Policy Recommendation for Policymakers: Investing in AI solutions that increase agricultural productivity and expand financial inclusion can provide long-term solutions to combat poverty. International cooperation and the promotion of digital financial innovations are essential to driving these advancements.

2. Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3)

AI holds immense potential to revolutionize the healthcare sector. In areas where access to healthcare services is limited, AI-powered systems can play a pivotal role in diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring.

• Early Diagnosis and Treatment: One of AI’s most valuable contributions to healthcare is the ability to detect diseases early. AI-supported healthcare systems can analyze vast patient databases using big data analytics to identify early signs of illness. This is particularly beneficial for diseases like cancer, where early intervention can significantly reduce mortality rates.
• Telemedicine and Digital Health Services: AI can digitize healthcare services, ensuring that people in rural and hard-to-reach areas can access quality care. Telemedicine platforms enable doctors to interact with patients remotely, eliminating barriers related to distance. Additionally, portable medical devices equipped with AI-based monitoring systems allow continuous tracking of patients’ health, providing healthcare professionals with real-time data.

Policy Recommendation for Policymakers: The opportunities AI presents in healthcare should be leveraged, and digital health solutions should be widely implemented. Expanding access to healthcare will not only improve well-being in developed countries but also raise the standard of living in underdeveloped regions. Governments should incentivize private sector innovation in this field.

3. Quality Education (SDG 4)

Education is a cornerstone for the future development of societies. Providing quality and inclusive education is essential for long-term economic and social progress. AI offers revolutionary solutions that can both ensure equal opportunities in education and enhance the quality of learning.

• Personalized Learning Programs: AI can create personalized learning experiences tailored to each student’s learning style and needs. This helps optimize individual performance while also enabling teachers to track their students’ progress more closely.
• Digital Education and Access: Even in rural areas of developing countries, digital education platforms and AI-powered learning tools can make quality education more accessible. These platforms provide students with continuous feedback, while teachers can monitor students’ progress and provide tailored support.

Policy Recommendation for Policymakers: Integrating AI-based solutions into the education system will create a more skilled and creative workforce in the future. Governments should invest in AI-driven education programs to address issues of opportunity and access.

4. Climate Action (SDG 13)

Climate change is a global challenge that threatens sustainable development. AI stands out as a powerful technology in the fight against climate change, offering solutions for natural resource conservation and energy efficiency.

• Climate Prediction and Disaster Management: AI can analyze climate change models using big data analytics, enabling the development of early warning systems for natural disasters. By predicting natural disasters in advance, governments can take preventive measures and prepare societies for potential risks.
• Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: AI optimizes energy consumption, promoting more efficient energy use. Through smart energy systems, renewable energy sources like solar and wind can be utilized more effectively, significantly reducing carbon emissions.

Policy Recommendation for Policymakers: Embracing AI-driven solutions for climate change mitigation and fostering global cooperation in this area is essential for building a sustainable future. AI-based solutions that enhance energy efficiency will play a critical role in meeting climate goals by reducing carbon emissions.

5. Sustainable Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9)

AI can provide more efficient and sustainable solutions for the industrial and infrastructure sectors. By accelerating industrial transformation, AI optimizes production processes, reducing material and energy waste.

• AI-Powered Automation and Efficiency: AI automates production processes, increasing industrial efficiency. This optimizes the use of resources and accelerates the shift toward environmentally friendly production. AI’s role in areas such as automated production lines, logistics optimization, and energy management is crucial for industries aiming to meet sustainability goals.
• Innovation and Product Development: AI is also a critical tool in the development of innovative products and services. AI’s use in developing energy-efficient technologies, environmentally friendly production techniques, and more sustainable materials will help transform global industry into a greener sector. Additionally, AI’s learning capacity allows production processes to be continuously optimized.

Policy Recommendation for Policymakers: Promoting AI-based innovations in industry and infrastructure will enable global economic growth to coexist with environmental sustainability. Governments should adopt sustainable industrial policies and support innovation in AI technologies. Additionally, using AI more effectively in infrastructure projects will accelerate the development of smart cities and energy-efficient buildings.

6. Reducing Inequalities (SDG 10)

AI can also play a significant role in reducing social inequalities by expanding economic opportunities and ensuring fair distribution of social services.

• Access and Opportunity Equality: AI can enhance social justice by ensuring that social aid reaches those in need more accurately and quickly. For example, AI-supported social service systems can ensure that benefits for low-income individuals are distributed more efficiently. AI-based solutions also contribute to reducing inequalities in access to education and healthcare.
• Increasing Economic Opportunities: AI can make labor markets more accessible and transparent. AI-powered job placement platforms can help disadvantaged groups find employment opportunities that match their skills, contributing to increased social mobility. This is especially beneficial for women and marginalized groups, as AI can create new job opportunities.

Policy Recommendation for Policymakers: Integrating AI into social policy systems to reduce inequalities is a significant step toward social justice. Governments should use AI to improve the distribution of social benefits, increase access to job opportunities, and ensure that public services are available to all. Digital inclusion projects should also be developed to ensure that disadvantaged groups have access to these technologies, with a focus on building their skills.

7. Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6)

Water resource management is a crucial component of sustainable development. AI can optimize water use, ensuring efficient management of resources and improving access to clean water.

• Water Resource Management: AI can monitor and optimize water consumption, helping regions facing droughts use water resources more efficiently. Smart water systems can track water distribution networks, detect leaks, and minimize water waste.
• Wastewater Management: AI can enhance the efficiency of wastewater treatment plants. AI-driven systems can monitor water quality and ensure that wastewater treatment processes are managed more quickly and effectively.

Policy Recommendation for Policymakers: Governments should invest in AI-based water management systems to improve access to clean water and reduce water waste. In regions facing water scarcity, AI’s effective use can lead to more sustainable water management policies. Monitoring and managing water distribution networks through AI will also help make these systems more efficient.

Conclusion: AI and Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

Artificial intelligence stands as a revolutionary tool for achieving the UN’s 2030 Agenda goals. From reducing poverty to ensuring equal access to education, improving healthcare services, and combating climate change, the solutions offered by AI make a sustainable future possible. However, fully realizing this potential requires that AI be guided by ethical, inclusive, and sustainable principles.

As policymakers, it is essential to assess the opportunities AI presents while also considering the social and economic inequalities this technology could exacerbate. The inclusive application of AI will help bridge the digital divide, contributing to the reduction of poverty and inequality. In this context, concrete steps toward achieving sustainable development goals should be taken through national and international cooperation.

In conclusion, AI is a technology that has the potential to solve some of the most significant challenges facing humanity. However, this potential can only be fully realized through responsible policymaking, the adoption of ethical standards, and global cooperation.