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Artificial Intelligence

AI for Sustainable Development

 

Artificial Intelligence, if designed and deployed responsibly and equitably, can be a powerful driver for sustainable development and accelerator of the SDGs.
UNDP supports countries to build inclusive AI ecosystems, strengthen capabilities, and implement solutions that benefit both people and planet - working to ensure all countries can actively participate in shaping and harnessing AI's transformative potential.

 

Strengthening AI Foundations for Development

UNDP supports countries to strengthen local AI ecosystems on 5 key foundations.

Data

Enabling high-quality datasets to make AI models relevant, resilient, and innovative.

Example: Local Language Accelerator Pilot
Talent

Enabling skilled professionals to drive AI innovation and safeguards to protect people, and planet.

Example: Startup Accelerator Pilot
Compute

Ensuring accessible computing power to enable AI development and deployment at scale.

Example: Green Compute Coalition
Enabling Environment

Establishing robust frameworks and policies to create an environment for responsible AI growth, and adoption.

Examples: National AI strategy, AI Landscape Assessment
Partnerships

Establishing public-private partnerships to create an inclusive AI ecosystem.

Example: AI Hub for Sustainable Development



Leveraging our global perspective and in-country expertise, UNDP contributes to global AI and digital conversations, including for the Global Digital Compact and the Secretary-General's High Level Advisory Body on AI through the UN Inter-Agency Working Group on AI and the G7. 

In country context, UNDP champions AI to accelerate progress towards sustainable development. The Accelerator Labs are using AI to analyze earth observation data (satellite data and drone data) to detect crop diseases (Cameroon and Cabo Verde) or areas of accumulated waste (Guatemala, the Philippines, Serbia and Viet Nam), and to generate land use and cover maps (Ecuador and India).
 

AI Hub for Sustainable Development

As affirmed in the G7 Leaders’ Declaration, the AI Hub aims to enable multi-stakeholder partnerships to support local AI digital ecosystems, strengthen capacities to advance AI for sustainable development, and complement existing initiatives including the AI for Development Donors Partnership.

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Featured AI solutions

At UNDP, we support partners in exploring both the positive potential and the risks of AI for development. We advocate for safe, responsible and inclusive AI governance, and we develop AI solutions with a people-centered, rights-based approach to data availability, quality, openness and accountability.

Data for Climate Resilient Agriculture (DiCRA)

Provides satellite data and analytics for climate action in agriculture - from understanding crop health to soil conditions.

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Digital X

Finds, matches, and connects digital solutions with urgent needs of UNDP Country Offices and governments.

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eMonitor+

Expands capacities of national, regional, and global actors to analyze disinformation and hate speech.

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Artificial Intelligence for Development Analytics (AIDA)

Harnesses advanced AI and machine learning technologies to transform vast, unstructured data into actionable insights.

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Data Futures Exchange

Uses a systems approach and advanced analytics to identify actions to accelerate sustainable development globally.

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iVerify

Supports national stakeholders to identify false information and prevent and mitigate its spread.

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SDG Push Diagnostic

Reimagines and recalibrates how we determine, interrogate and advance development interventions.

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AI Landscape Assessment

The AI Landscape Assessment (AILA) is a comprehensive framework created by UNDP to assist countries in responsibly and effectively harnessing the potential of AI. 

AILA focuses on three foundational pillars: Government as an enabler of AI, Government as a user of AI, and Ethical AI.

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Featured stories

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AI for Sustainable Development

Uncovering opportunities to strengthen local ecosystems

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The AI Revolution is Here: How Will Latin America and the Caribbean Respond?

In LAC, decisive action to enable a supportive ecosystem is required.

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Thinking DEEP to ensure AI delivers the greatest impact

UNDP aims to play a significant role in shaping the future of AI for the better

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AI innovations to improve healthcare access and end tuberculosis

AI and battery-powered portable X-ray machines are helping to expand access to tuberculosis testing and treatment.

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Responsible and critical use of artificial intelligence in education

Conference on Education in the Artificial Intelligence Age

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Understanding poverty in the Philippines with artificial intelligence

Thinking Machines helped the UNDP generate nationwide wealth estimates in the Philippines with machine learning

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How a GeoAI platform is helping target hotspots of air pollution

The GeoAI platform demonstrates how environmental non-compliance can be detected from space using artificial intelligence.

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Publications

Publications
1st Meeting: Entrepreneurship and its potential for advancing AI in Latin America

The "Artificial Intelligence and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean Discussion Group" explores the transformative potential of AI to advance…

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Publications
Africa Development Insights | Artificial Intelligence for Development (Quarter 2 2024)

The rise in artificial intelligence and machine learning in recent years has captured the imagination of entrepreneurs, policymakers and development…

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Publications
AI Hub for Sustainable Development: Strengthening Local AI Ecosystems through Collective Action

The G7 Leaders’ Summit in June 2024 welcomed the Italian Presidency’s decision to establish the AI Hub for Sustainable Development, in collaboration with UNDP. …

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Publications
Understanding Generative AI's Implications on Gender Using a Value Chain Approach and a UNGP lens

This report was produced by Aapti Institute, commissioned by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the Business and Human Rights in Asia…

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Publications
Digital Social Vulnerability Index Technical Whitepaper

The DSVI technical whitepaper explains the rationale, benefits, outcomes, methodologies and the relevance of the DSVI.

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News 

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News
The Role of International Cooperation in the Responsible Use of AI Usage in Serbia and Globally

The “DigitAl for All” panel organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Serbia took place at the GPAI (Global Partnership on Artificial…

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News
How is International Collaboration on AI Shaping Sustainable Development?

As part of the Global AI Development (GAID) segment at this year's Data Science Conference (DSC) Europe 2024, a panel titled “How is international collaboration…

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News
Digital and AI Readiness Assessment presented in Belarus

More than 100 representatives from the public and private sectors attended a partner session on the "Digital Development of Belarus: Status Quo and Prospects" on…

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Blog
Equitable AI for Africa

Unlocking new engines of growth and creativity

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Stories
Programming, Robotics, and Moravac

First Gymnasium of Kragujevac is the first destination on the map of the ‘Putujuća Petlja’ caravan. The students and teachers at this school are replacing…

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