Key Impact Points:
- Generative AI can accelerate progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by providing critical capabilities to overcome current challenges.
- Private sector urged to harness Gen AI responsibly, mitigating risks that could undermine sustainability efforts.
- New report offers resources for businesses to implement Gen AI in support of sustainable development.
With only 17% of Sustainable Development Goals on track to be met by 2030, the private sector faces an urgent call to leverage technologies like Generative AI (Gen AI) to bridge the gap in sustainable development.
Julie Sweet, CEO and Chair of Accenture, emphasized, “In the past 30 years, there is no single technology except for AI that I have been able to stand up in front of CEOs and credibly and authentically say that it will have a material positive impact on every part of their enterprise.”
The Transformative Potential of Gen AI
Gen AI can facilitate unprecedented access to hyper-specific, tailored information, accelerate innovation through cross-disciplinary thinking, and increase productivity. These capabilities are crucial for businesses tackling the complex challenges that hinder sustainable development.
The private sector, responsible for more than 60% of global GDP, has a unique opportunity to lead in harnessing this technology for sustainable development. By prioritizing the Sustainable Development Goals in their use of Gen AI, businesses can drive positive impact globally.
Real-World Applications
Businesses are already integrating Gen AI capabilities to create tangible impacts, as illustrated by twelve use cases and nine case studies in the report.
For example, Gen AI can act as a circular enabler by tackling logistical and analytical barriers to developing a truly circular economy. It can assist research teams in identifying alternative materials and embedding sustainable design principles across products and services.
Understanding the Risks of Gen AI
While Gen AI holds tremendous promise, companies must use it responsibly to avoid significant risks that could undermine progress on the Global Goals. Rapid advancements mean risks can easily outpace regulation.
Key sustainable development risks of Gen AI include:
- Exacerbating biases and inequalities
- Misuse leading to misinformation
- Environmental impacts due to increased energy consumption
Advancing Responsible AI
Given Gen AI’s potential to dramatically help or hinder sustainable development, it’s imperative to manage its impact responsibly.
The report provides four ready-to-use resources for private sector executives:
- Playbook for Implementing Gen AI Responsibly: Guidance on preparing your enterprise and managing ongoing applications.
- Using Gen AI to Support Your Sustainable Development Ambition: How Gen AI can support corporate sustainability goals.
- The Role of Each Business Function: A guide for key business functions in developing and maintaining effective Gen AI implementation.
- Broader Ecosystem Advocacy: Actions companies should advocate for to effect change across sectors and ecosystems.
