Artificial Intelligence (AI) has evolved from a futuristic concept to a transformative technology, reshaping nearly every sector of society. As the world grapples with pressing challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality, AI’s potential to advance sustainable development has emerged as a critical focus of inquiry. This paper examines the intersection of AI and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), exploring how AI technologies can both accelerate and hinder global sustainability efforts.

The relationship between AI and sustainability is complex and multifaceted. On one hand, AI offers unprecedented opportunities to drive progress toward the SDGs, providing innovative solutions for challenges like climate monitoring, energy optimization, healthcare delivery, and sustainable agriculture. On the other hand, there is growing concern about the environmental and ethical implications of AI itself—such as the significant energy demands of data centers, the carbon footprint of machine learning models, and issues surrounding data privacy and inequality.

This paper explores both dimensions, focusing on how AI can be strategically leveraged to advance sustainable development. It highlights the roles of key stakeholders—governments, international organizations, technology companies, and civil society—in shaping the AI-for-SDGs agenda. Through a series of case studies, the paper showcases real-world applications of AI that are making tangible contributions to sustainability, while also delving into the challenges and tradeoffs inherent in these initiatives, including ethical dilemmas, environmental costs, and the risk of exacerbating inequalities.

Finally, the paper reflects on the future of AI’s role in sustainable development, emphasizing the need for international cooperation and robust governance frameworks. As technological advancements continue to accelerate, it is imperative to establish guiding principles and systems that ensure AI aligns with both ethical standards and sustainability objectives. The urgency of this task cannot be overstated, as it will determine whether AI becomes a catalyst for global progress or a source of further disparities.

The opinions expressed in this text are solely that of the author/s and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Israel Public Policy Institute (IPPI) and/or its partners.