Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful force in driving sustainable development, but it also brings significant risks. At a recent SDSN Northern Europe event, the invited speakers and the members discussed how AI can help achieve Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while addressing challenges such as inequality, environmental impact, and ethical concerns.
The meeting explored AI's power to drive positive change, while also confronting the risks that come with this rapidly evolving technology.
Risks and opportunities of AI for Agenda 2030
Prof. Fredrik Heintz from Linköping University, who was part of the Nordic Expert Group assembled by Nordic Innovation to develop Nordic AI guidelines, discussed AI’s dual potential. It is both a tool for promoting equality and sustainability, and as a source of risk, particularly in deepening social divides and increasing energy consumption.
He stressed the importance of incorporating Nordic values in AI development, particularly in the development of Large Language Models (LLMs). He also highlighted the need for AI to complement human effort, rather than replace it, and that education and open-source models being key to ethical and responsible AI.
Nordic Innovation's 5 policy recommendations for AI in the Nordics:
- Develop a joint Nordic strategy for ethical and responsible AI.
- Establish a Nordic centre for ethical and responsible AI.
- Promote and coordinate large language models (LLMs) for Nordic languages.
- Cultivate a skilled workforce and competent society.
- Enhance transparency in sustainability of AI technology.
Read the full policy recommendations for ethical and responsible AI
AI’s role in achieving the SDGs
Ass. Prof. Ricardo Vinuesa from KTH Royal Institute of Technology presented research on how AI can support the SDGs. According to the research, AI seem to provide more positive impacts on the SDGs compared to negative ones. However, some impacts are of more speculative nature and there is still a lack of strong evidence for some SDG impacts, which motivates more efforts in research to further our understanding.
It’s important to note that some impacts can have secondary cascading effects, which can add more negative impacts on SDG targets. Such effects could be further investigated to help us to get a better understanding of how the SDGs indicators interact and are affected by policies.
Research paper: The role of artificial intelligence in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals
Sustainable AI at Solita, from insights into practice
Salla Westerstrand from Solita discussed how her company is advancing the practice of “Sustainable AI.”
According to Salla, two perspectives can be applied on Sustainable AI. The first one is AI for Sustainability, i.e. how can AI help to achieve sustainable development and implement the SDGs. For example, can AI help to optimize logistics and reduce emissions from traffic. The second one is Sustainability of AI, i.e. how can we make sure that AI is sustainable. For example, how do we ensure that AI is trustworthy, fair and inclusive or does not use excessive amounts of energy.
Solita has made a survey to find out what sustainable AI meant for different organisations. The survey revealed a gap between ethical principles and their application in organisations, pointing to the need for clearer definitions and governance frameworks.
Handbook of leading sustainable value with AI
The meeting featured a lively Q&A, during which participants discussed the governance of AI, its environmental impacts, and the need for universities to spearhead responsible AI research. Participants also considered AI’s potential to bridge disciplinary silos and facilitate more interdisciplinary research.
Martin Eriksson, Network Manager of SDSN Northern Europe, shared updates from the secretariat, including discussions on the future of the SDGs beyond 2030. While these conversations are ongoing, the key message remains that Agenda 2030 is the world’s best framework for achieving a sustainable future, and continued focus on its goals is essential.
The meeting concluded with a reminder of the next member meeting, scheduled for 11 December.
