Hamburg Sustainability Conference

Panel Discussion: “Responsible AI for Sustainable Development”

In a rapidly changing world facing global challenges, Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be a game-changer—for better or worse. AI can either deepen inequality, widen digital divides, and worsen environmental degradation, or it can drive prosperity, sustainability, and inclusion. Now is the time to harness responsible, human-centric AI to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), benefiting both people and the planet. 

 At the first Hamburg Sustainability Conference, held from 7 to 8 October 2024, we addressed this critical issue with representatives from governments, academia, civil society, and the private sector. Our panel discussion, “Responsible AI for Sustainable Development,” outlined key principles for using AI to achieve the SDGs. These principles aim to support AI ecosystems and develop solutions that are both innovative and grounded in human-centered, commons-based design and ecological stewardship. This document  also lays the groundwork for the “Hamburg Declaration on Responsible AI for the SDGs,” set to be adopted at HSC 2025. 

 Additionally, this session launched the  AI SDG Compendium, a global registry of major initiatives and commitments on AI for Sustainable Development.