The Impact of AI in Sustainable Development Goal Implementation: A Delphi Study

Simon Ofori Ametepey, Clinton Aigbavboa, Wellington Didibhuku Thwala and Hutton Addy ()
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Simon Ofori Ametepey: Centre for Sustainable Development (CenSUD), Koforidua Technical University, Koforidua 03420, Ghana
Clinton Aigbavboa: Department of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2094, South Africa
Wellington Didibhuku Thwala: Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, Walter Sisulu University, East London 5200, South Africa
Hutton Addy: Centre for Sustainable Development (CenSUD), Koforidua Technical University, Koforidua 03420, Ghana

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 9, 1-76

Abstract: Artificial intelligence emerges as a powerful catalyst poised to reshape the global sustainability landscape by facilitating the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This comprehensive Delphi study meticulously probes the insights of domain experts, shedding light on the strategic utilization of AI to advance these critical sustainability objectives. Employing rigorous statistical techniques, encompassing measures of central tendency and interquartile deviation, this research scrutinizes consensus dynamics among experts and elucidates potential variations in their viewpoints. The findings resoundingly convey experts’ collective positive perspective regarding AI’s pivotal role in propelling the SDGs forward. Through two iterative rounds of extensive discussions, a compelling consensus crystallizes—AI indeed exerts an overall positive impact, exemplified by a robust mean score of 78.8%. Intriguingly, distinct SDGs manifest varied propensities toward AI intervention, with Goals 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, and 15 basking in the radiance of highly positive impacts. Goals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, and 12 exhibit positive impact scores, indicating a juncture ripe for positive advancements. Meanwhile, Goal 16 and Goal 17 languish with neutral scores, signifying a juncture demanding nuanced deliberations about AI’s impact on peace, justice, and strong institutions as well as on partnerships for the goals, respectively. This paper underscores AI as a formidable instrument poised to address humanity’s most pressing challenges while harmonizing seamlessly with the overarching SDG objectives. It gracefully dovetails into established practices across pivotal domains such as health, education, and resilient infrastructures, amplifying the collective global endeavor to navigate the path toward a more sustainable future.

Keywords: artificial intelligence; Sustainable Development Goals; Delphi study; global sustainability; consensus (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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