Technology

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and global technology group e& have reinforced their collaboration on artificial intelligence (AI) to advance sustainable development, unveiling the results of their AI-powered Social and Climate Platform. This initiative demonstrates how AI can harness non-traditional data sources to provide real-time insights for informed policymaking, particularly in climate change mitigation and healthcare solutions across the Arab States and beyond.

The platform, developed as part of the Digital for Sustainable Development initiative launched in 2023, utilizes natural language processing and sentiment analysis to track and analyze crucial topics such as climate change, natural disasters, and public health in real-time. By processing vast amounts of data, the system equips policymakers, researchers, and development experts with actionable intelligence to enhance resilience and sustainability.

"Responsible AI has the potential to drive sustainable development by providing real-time, data-informed insights that strengthen decision-making and resilience," said Robert Opp, UNDP’s Chief Digital Officer. "We welcome innovative solutions that align with UNDP's commitment to ensuring that AI benefits everyone, everywhere."

Building on their previous collaboration—announced during the United Nations General Assembly—to assess the impact of the 2023 Türkiye-Syria earthquake, UNDP and e& have now expanded their focus to AI-driven healthcare solutions. These initiatives aim to optimize healthcare systems, improve service delivery, and ensure equitable access to medical resources. All efforts adhere to a Responsible AI Framework, co-developed by UNDP and e&, ensuring ethical, transparent, and inclusive AI deployment across the Arab States.

Dena Almansoori, Group Chief AI & Data Officer at e&, emphasized AI’s transformative power: "Through this collaboration with UNDP, we’re proving that AI, when deployed responsibly, is a force multiplier for impact—transforming digital signals into life-changing solutions that drive resilience, equity, and progress throughout the Arab States and beyond."

This initiative is a key component of UNDP's AI for Sustainable Development efforts, which emphasize the importance of digital public infrastructure, harmonized regulations, and regional cooperation to fully leverage AI’s capabilities in advancing sustainability goals.

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