Hamburg, October 8, 2024 – At the inaugural Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) announced a global platform to harness the power of responsible artificial intelligence (AI) for sustainable development. 

This effort adopts joint principles on responsible AI and sees the launch of the AI for SDGs Compendium (SDG: Sustainable Development Goals), a global registry of AI initiatives for sustainable development. The platform establishes the foundation for a Hamburg Declaration on Responsible AI for the SDGs, a new multi-stakeholder document to be signed in 2025. The Hamburg Declaration aims to create a shared global understanding of how responsible AI can drive better development outcomes.

Commenting on the significance of the HSC’s discussions on AI and launch of the collective action platform, German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Svenja Schulze said, "AI dramatically changes our world and brings enormous opportunities, but also risks. With this AI platform, we have embarked on a journey together with the full range of relevant players toward responsible, sustainable AI. Our shared ambition is to ensure equitable access to key digital technologies, including for the countries of the Global South. Digital technology must be used to promote the wellbeing of people and our planet.”

"The AI revolution presents us with an unprecedented opportunity to reimagine development and improve the lives of millions,” said Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator. “By engaging in collective action, with joint initiatives like this AI platform, we aim not just to keep up with change, but to lead it. If we can harness AI responsibly, its impact will be transformative in closing gaps, lifting underserved communities, and accelerating our efforts to achieve the SDGs.”

The two-day conference, held on 7 and 8 October at the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce and Hamburg City Hall, brought together over 1600 high-level policymakers, business leaders, academics, and civil society representatives to address pressing sustainability challenges. 

The conference also included a high-level panel session on Responsible AI for Sustainable Development with global leaders from government, international institutions, the private sector and civil society discussing how to unlock the potential of AI for global development in an inclusive and sustainable manner. 

The Hamburg Sustainability Conference also stressed the importance of incorporating diverse voices in shaping AI’s future. Therefore, speakers from emerging and high-income countries equally emphasized the need to shape AI together. Speakers included the President of the Republic of Ghana Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, BMZ Parliamentary State Secretary Bärbel Kofler, UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner, World Bank Vice President for Digital Transformation Sangbu Kim, SAP Chief Sustainability Officer Daniel Schmid, and the Indigenous peoples rights advocate from Chad Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim.

By prioritizing developing countries and emerging economies in this collective effort to leverage AI for sustainable development, UNDP and BMZ are working to close digital divides and advance international development goals. The Hamburg Sustainability Conference is the first step in a multi-year journey to establish a more inclusive and equitable technological landscape. The just-launched SDG AI Compendium will also serve as a centralized repository for stakeholders to share information on their AI initiatives and commitments. Future steps will include roundtables and multi-stakeholder discussions to refine the principles and commitments leading up to the Hamburg Declaration in 2025.

About UNDP

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP. 

About BMZ

The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is responsible for Germany's official development policy. The Ministry works to encourage economic development, fight poverty, protect natural resources, and promote education and healthcare in partner countries. Since 2019, Germany has been at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into international development, positioning itself as a forerunner among global donors. BMZ has spearheaded innovative AI-driven projects across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and language technology, making basic AI solutions accessible and free to use worldwide.