Artificial Intelligence for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals: Applications, Techniques and Progress

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has proven to be a pivotal technology in addressing complex global challenges, particularly in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals represent a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all. This survey systematically explores the applications of AI in advancing sustainable development across critical domains, including agriculture and food security, healthcare, renewable energy, and climate change. By analyzing state-of-the-art AI methodologies such as machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision, the paper highlights significant progress in these areas. Despite these advancements, challenges such as ethical considerations, data accessibility, and socio-economic inequalities persist, limiting the full potential of AI in achieving the SDGs. This review aims to provide a comprehensive and critical examination of AI’s contributions to sustainable development, identify key limitations, and propose future research directions.