Beyond the Hype, Putting AI to Work for Sustainable Development

A lot has been said about artificial intelligence over the past year. But is it only hype? Or could AI be the solution to global challenges like sustainability, climate and other pressing global issues?

Last week, the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Sustainability Program joined the Embassy of Sweden in Washington for a roundtable event titled "Beyond the Hype: Putting AI to Work for Sustainable Development." The goal was to look past the buzzwords and explore how AI can help us reach our sustainability goals.

The event brought together diverse perspectives, converging researchers, scientists, tech experts and practitioners to discuss AI's practical applications and limitations.

These discussions spanned a wide range of topics, from AI's potential to help sectors achieve sustainable development goals to the spread of AI hallucinations and the importance of global cooperation in AI research. The latter point underscored the need for the Global South to be included in all efforts related to AI and sustainability, as including this data and research is crucial in leveraging a better future.

Part of the discussion focused on the term "trustworthy AIs." While building trust in AI is essential, we must refrain from ceding too much control over technology. We must maintain our agency, especially because AI can push misinformation or even “hallucinate” responses generated by biased or inadequate data sets. Developing and building resilience in these systems will be essential as we advance, and a diverse group of leaders will be required to shape the future landscape of AI-transformed systems.

One question was repeatedly asked: "Where can we go with this technology together?"

Despite the perceived divide between these communities, participants united through a shared understanding of the importance of responsible development and usage.?

They were driven by the potential for innovative solutions and impactful progress, knowing responsible AI usage is critical. As AI becomes more and more commonplace, more of these conversations will be needed, and we invite you to join us for a future event.

A special thanks to our keynote speaker State Department's DAS Nerissa Cook and speakers Sara Fallahi , Anna-Sara Lind, Luis Bettencourt , Julia Stoyanovich , and Mark Spanier . Our sincere gratitude to our colleagues Maria Brogren and Jenny Majidyar for opening the doors of the Embassy and our good friends Anna Ledin , Florent Bernard for thoughtful discussions.