The Role of AI in Addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A Comprehensive Survey

Walid Abdullah, Faculty of Computers and Informatics, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Sharqia, 44519, EgyptFollow
Muhammad Nawaz, Data Science Institute, University of Technology Sydney, AustraliaFollow
Basma Nasir, Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology, PakistanFollow
Muhammad Javed Ramzan, Department of Digital Game Design, Istinye University Istanbul, TurkeyFollow

ORCID

Walid Abdullah: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6495-2735

Muhammad Nawaz: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-8404-7695

Basma Nasir: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-1589-8722

Muhammad Javed Ramzan: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2885-3617

Keywords

Artificial intelligence, Machine learning, Sustainable development goals, Predictive analytics, Responsible AI, Ethical AI, Environmental monitoring

Article Type

Review Article

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerges as a transformative tool in addressing global challenges, particularly in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This paper provides a comprehensive survey of how AI technologies contribute to addressing global challenges across social, economic, and environmental domains. By enabling advanced data analysis, predictive modeling, and automation, AI offers innovative solutions across sectors such as poverty reduction, healthcare, quality education, sustainable cities, climate action, and the protection of life on land and below water. Special attention is given to practical, real-world examples where AI enables more efficient resource management, predictive analytics, environmental monitoring, and data-driven decision-making. While AI presents significant opportunities for accelerating progress toward the SDGs, it also raises ethical, social, and environmental concerns that require careful governance. This paper also explores the opportunities, risks, ethical considerations, and underscoring the need for ensuring responsible and equitable access to AI solutions.

How to Cite

Abdullah, Walid; Nawaz, Muhammad; Nasir, Basma; and Ramzan, Muhammad Javed (2025) "The Role of AI in Addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A Comprehensive Survey," Sustainable Machine Intelligence Journal: Vol. 13: Iss. 1, Article 2.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.63689/3005-3617.1073