The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has sparked diverse visions of its potential. Despite notable advancements in AI since the release of ChatGPT, AI development is ongoing, with many capabilities still unrealized. This chapter examines the discourse and projects aimed at utilizing AI to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It critically evaluates claims that AI can aid in achieving global challenges, highlighting potential misalignments between AI’s current state and the intense energy consumption required for its operation, which may conflict with the SDGs. The chapter identifies AI projects targeting climate change, social inclusion, and economic growth. It examines the entities leading these efforts, focusing on Big Tech corporations such as Google and Microsoft, which currently dominate AI development infrastructure. This analysis includes Google AI and Google’s AI Societal Initiative, and Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab. Concerns over monopoly power and the reliance on Big Tech’s large-scale datasets are highlighted as barriers to achieving the SDGs. The chapter concludes with recommendations for the UN Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence, advocating for a not-for-profit AI development culture with a focus on participation from marginalized communities and ethically sourced data.

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Mobilizing AI for the United Nations SDGs: Opportunities, Challenges, and the Impact of Big Tech

  • Madison Lee

摘要

The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has sparked diverse visions of its potential. Despite notable advancements in AI since the release of ChatGPT, AI development is ongoing, with many capabilities still unrealized. This chapter examines the discourse and projects aimed at utilizing AI to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It critically evaluates claims that AI can aid in achieving global challenges, highlighting potential misalignments between AI’s current state and the intense energy consumption required for its operation, which may conflict with the SDGs. The chapter identifies AI projects targeting climate change, social inclusion, and economic growth. It examines the entities leading these efforts, focusing on Big Tech corporations such as Google and Microsoft, which currently dominate AI development infrastructure. This analysis includes Google AI and Google’s AI Societal Initiative, and Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab. Concerns over monopoly power and the reliance on Big Tech’s large-scale datasets are highlighted as barriers to achieving the SDGs. The chapter concludes with recommendations for the UN Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence, advocating for a not-for-profit AI development culture with a focus on participation from marginalized communities and ethically sourced data.