Latest news with #SDG
Campaign ME
an hour ago
- Business
- Campaign ME
Are we still talking about sustainability?
You've heard before that sustainability is fundamental to business growth, we are at a critical point in time and even marketing can play its part. This continues to be true, and the widespread adoption of sustainable marketing that we are seeing is set to profoundly and permanently transform the Middle East's industry. Fundamentally, the goal is to shift a change in consumer behaviour towards more responsible consumption and deeper, values-aligned brand connections. This, in turn, drives significant industry-wide shifts. Firstly, it accelerates product and supply chain innovation. The demand for sustainable products necessitates eco-friendly materials, ethical sourcing, and the implementation of circular economy models like take-back schemes or on-demand manufacturing to minimise waste. Local production gains momentum, further reducing transportation emissions. Secondly, digital marketing is evolving to minimise its own environmental footprint. This includes prioritising energy-efficient web services, optimising content to reduce data storage, and shifting from physical to digital marketing materials. Thirdly, the market is witnessing the emergence and growth of entirely new eco-friendly sectors, from organic cosmetics and sustainable fashion to eco-tourism and green banking services. Companies authentically embracing sustainability will find new avenues for growth and diversification. Finally, there will be an increased emphasis on transparency and accountability. Companies will face pressure to provide verifiable sustainability reports and impact statements, fostering a culture where genuine commitment, not just rhetoric, defines success. This overall transformation aligns deeply with the national visions of GCC countries, supporting their goals for economic diversification, environmental preservation and social progress. Incorporating sustainability beyond carbon reduction While carbon reduction remains a critical aspect of sustainability, effective sustainable marketing extends beyond this single focus by embracing a holistic approach aligned with the United Nations' (UN's) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Marketers can broaden their impact by considering the social and governance dimensions of sustainability. Holistic SDG alignment in campaign execution: To authentically support the UN's SDGs that a brand has committed to, marketing teams must ensure that campaign execution – including media placement and advertising choices – reflects those same values. This means deliberately running ads on platforms, websites, and media networks that actively support or promote the same SDGs. For example, a brand aligned with SDG 4 (quality education) could prioritise ad buys on educational content platforms or publications that champion equitable access to learning. Brands committed to SDG 5 (gender equality) or SDG 10 (reduced inequalities) might choose to advertise on media that uplifts underrepresented voices, avoids exploitative content and maintains inclusive editorial standards. Similarly, environmentally focused brands supporting SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production) can ensure their campaigns appear on sites with verified sustainability practices, ethical content guidelines or climate reporting initiatives. Aligning media partnerships with the brand's SDG values not only strengthens campaign credibility but also amplifies impact by directing resources toward like-minded ecosystems, reinforcing a values-driven marketing strategy from end to end. Authenticity and transparency: To avoid greenwashing, marketers must ensure all sustainability claims are specific, measurable, and verifiable. This involves publishing comprehensive sustainability reports, clearly outlining achievements and challenges, and engaging in honest storytelling that reflects the brand's genuine journey. Trust is built through actions, not just words. Educating and empowering consumers: Marketing campaigns can serve as powerful tools for consumer education, raising awareness about critical environmental and social issues. By informing consumers about their choices' impact and providing easy alternatives, marketers empower them to make more sustainable decisions. This could involve highlighting circular models, promoting product longevity or explaining ethical sourcing. Sustainable campaign execution: Beyond the message, the medium matters. Marketers can implement sustainable practices within their own operations. This includes prioritising digital-first content to minimise physical waste, utilising renewable or recycled materials for print campaigns, and optimising digital assets (e.g., smaller image sizes, efficient email campaigns) to reduce energy consumption. Event planning should also prioritise sustainability, from reusable materials to carbon offsetting travel. Stakeholder collaboration: Sustainable marketing is a collective endeavour. Marketers should actively engage all stakeholders – employees, suppliers, customers, and local communities – in their sustainability initiatives. This fosters a shared sense of responsibility and leverages diverse perspectives to create more impactful and authentic campaigns. In conclusion, the shift towards sustainable marketing represents a profound evolution for the industry, particularly in the Middle East. It is driven by informed consumers, ambitious national agendas and the inherent benefits of ethical business practices. By committing to a holistic approach that integrates the SDGs beyond carbon reduction, prioritises authenticity, educates consumers and adopts sustainable execution, marketers can not only drive commercial success but also play a pivotal role in shaping a more resilient, equitable and sustainable future for the region and the world. By Robin Phillips, General Manager, The Vantage
Associated Press
18 hours ago
- Business
- Associated Press
GoDaddy 2024 Sustainability Report: Frameworks & Metrics
Originally published in GoDaddy's 2024 Sustainability Report United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) SDG Goal: SDG 5: Gender Equality Actions: pp. 20-25 SDG Goal: SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy Actions: p. 45 SDG Goal: SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth Actions: pp. 19-30pp. 13-16 SDG Goal: SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure Actions: pp. 31-41 SDG Goal: SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities Actions: pp. 20-25pp. 26-29pp.13-16p. 17 SDG Goal: SDG 13: Climate Action Actions: pp. 43-44 SDG Goal: SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions Actions: pp. 11-12 Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) Topic & Focus Area: Governance Board of Directors oversight of climate related risks and opportunities: Our Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing GoDaddy's enterprise-wide risks, the formation of our long-term strategic, financial, and organizational goals, and the plans designed to achieve such goals. The Board of Directors and its committees also oversee strategic, legal, regulatory, financial, management, and operational risks. The Nominating and Governance Committee oversees GoDaddy's sustainability strategy, practices, and programs, including in relation to risk mitigation and reporting. The Nominating and Governance Committee also reviews public disclosures on such matters, including our proxy statement and annual sustainability report. The Nominating and Governance Committee regularly reports to the Board of Directors on these topics. pp. 8-9p. 33 Management's role in assessing and managing climate-related risks and opportunities We maintain a Sustainability Working Group, which supports our ongoing commitment to sustainable practices and transparent disclosures. The Working Group, which is chaired by the Corporate Sustainability and ESG Team (the ESG Team), is a cross-functional team comprised of leaders across our organization who represent GoDaddy's priority topics. The Working Group is responsible for guiding and executing the company's sustainability strategy by managing and monitoring our sustainability impacts, risks, and opportunities. The ESG Team is responsible for reviewing and reporting on climate-related issues, including progress toward overall climate related goals. The ESG Team works closely with GoDaddy's Corporate Secretary on sustainability matters. In addition, members of our global leadership team are responsible for the management and oversight of GoDaddy's GHG emissions, including as they relate to our data center operations. These executives, and key members on their teams, have collaborated with the ESG team on the development of GoDaddy's corporate GHG emissions reduction targets. In addition, our Assurance, Risk, and Compliance Team is responsible for maintaining GoDaddy's risk management framework and identifying internal and external risk factors that prevent the company from achieving its strategic and operational objectives. Leveraging GoDaddy's risk management framework methods and criteria, this team supported the ESG Team's assessment and identification of potential climate-related risks and opportunities. pp. 8-9p. 33 Strategy Climate-related risks and opportunities the organization has identified over the short-, medium-, and long-term In our 2024 qualitative scenario analysis, we identified potential climate-related physical risks related to our data center operations and offices. The scenario analysis also assessed nine hazards to identify the impact of climate-driven extreme weather events (acute) and longer-term changes in water stress (chronic). The analysis presented extreme heat as the single hazard that uniformly increases across all assets from the present-day to the short- and medium-terms. Other hazards were assessed as site-specific hazards with certain of such risks assessed as high in the present-day and remaining elevated through the medium-term period. In addition, the analysis identified potential transition risks for the organization, which included carbon pricing, mandates on efficiency and carbon emissions from existing products, and costs associated with a transition to lower carbon pathways. These potential risks increase from the present day through the short- and medium-terms with the magnitude of increase depending on scenario. Potential opportunity drivers were also identified, including enhanced business continuity and resilience planning, value-chain decarbonization, industry climate leadership, impact investing, and customer demand for sustainable products and solutions. Potential transition opportunities assessed include expanding global renewable energy capacity and adoption of additional energy-efficiency measures to reduce environmental impact and increase consumer confidence and favorability. Both opportunities show an increased magnitude of opportunity from the present day through the short- and medium-terms. Impact on business, strategy, and financial planning Our Double Materiality Assessment (DMA) identified impacts, risks, and opportunities (IROs) across GoDaddy's business operations encompassing a range of ESG topics. The DMA process and IRO list originated through engagement with GoDaddy management and subject matter experts. The business and external impacts were assessed through a materiality scoring aligned with GoDaddy's risk management system. This materiality scoring included financial, operational, reputational, compliance, and partnership components. The scoring was informed through physical and transition climate scenario analysis. The IRO scoring and materiality determination were reviewed by members of GoDaddy's management team. Scenario analysis and resiliency strategy In 2024, we engaged a third-party firm to carry out a qualitative scenario analysis to assess potential climate-related physical risks related to our data center operations and offices at an asset- level, both owned and leased, for present-day, short-, and medium-term time periods and for both lower and higher emission scenarios. Scenario analyses were also carried out for potential transition risks and opportunities for two future scenarios. Assessing three time periods and multiple climate scenarios provided information on the uncertainty and variability of potential climate-related risks and opportunities and their potential impacts on our sustainability strategies across different planning horizons. The scenarios chosen also provided lower and higher impact views on potential risks and opportunities, giving a fuller range of outcomes to inform decision making. The asset-level nature of the physical scenario analysis can also be used to inform adaptation and resilience planning for specific GoDaddy owned and leased sites. The approach to transition scenario analysis allows for updating of scenarios as global and regional policies evolve. Risk Management Process for identifying and assessing climate-related risks Our DMA included climate-related physical and transition risks. These risks were assessed through a materiality scoring process that considered likelihood and severity of impacts across various categories, including financial, operational, reputational, compliance, and partnerships to provide measures of inherent risk to which control and mitigation measures can be applied to determine levels of residual risk. The DMA process included the development of a comprehensive IRO register reflecting GoDaddy's most important potential risks, including those related to climate change. Process for managing risk Climate-related risks are managed by the ESG Team in collaboration with leaders from across the organization. These leaders are responsible for monitoring and responding to any specified risk that could impact the company's strategic or operational objectives. Integration into overall risk management Our ARC Team leads our enterprise risk management program. The ARC Team is responsible for identifying key risks that could impact the company's strategy, operations, or compliance. The ARC Team assists our Leadership Team in defining metrics to monitor such risks and respond proactively. GoDaddy's assessment of potential climate-related risk and opportunity leveraged standard criteria used in our risk management framework. Following GoDaddy's standard processes, potential climate-related risks that could impact the company's strategic or operational objectives are managed by the ESG Team in collaboration with leaders from relevant teams to monitor and respond to any specified risks. Metrics and Targets Metrics Appendix > Frameworks & Metrics > Environmental Metrics, pp. 48-49 Scope 1, 2, 3 Emissions GoDaddy discloses its Scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions in the Framework & Metrics section of this report. Appendix > Frameworks & Metrics > Environmental Metrics, pp. 48-49 Targets GoDaddy has a goal to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions (market-based) by 90% by 2030 from a 2019 baseline. Environmental Impact > Climate Change, pp. 43-44 To learn more, read our 2024 Sustainability Report. About This Report This GoDaddy 2024 Sustainability Report details our progress toward our corporate sustainability goals, strategies, and initiatives in support of our overarching corporate mission and values. Unless otherwise noted, this report reflects our corporate sustainability performance across our global operations covering the fiscal year period from January 1 to December 31, 2024. To demonstrate our commitment to transparent communication regarding our sustainability progress, we routinely share updates through our website and our annual Sustainability Report. We welcome your questions, comments, and feedback on this report by contacting [email protected]. This report references the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards, includes select Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) metrics for the Internet Media and Services sector, and the Task Force on Climate Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). We also disclose our contributions and progress toward priority UN SDGs. For additional information on how we align with these frameworks and key indicators demonstrating our sustainability performance, please refer to the Frameworks & Metrics section. Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from GoDaddy
IOL News
a day ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Deploying Artificial Intelligence to Achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals: Enablers, Drivers and Strategic Framework
Professor Arthur G.O. Mutambara is the Director and Full Professor of the Institute for the Future of Knowledge (IFK) at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa. Image: Supplied The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 interconnected goals designed to address the world's most pressing challenges by 2030. Adopted in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the SDGs cover a wide range of issues, including poverty eradication, quality education, gender equality, clean energy, climate action, and reduced inequalities. Each goal is supported by specific targets and indicators, providing a measurable framework for progress. The SDGs are universal, apply to all countries regardless of income level, emphasise the interconnectedness of global challenges, and thus require holistic solutions. The SDGs are important because they provide a shared blueprint for global action and cooperation, uniting governments, businesses, and civil society to address critical challenges. By focusing on multidimensional goals, the SDGs encourage comprehensive strategies to tackle interconnected problems such as economic disparity, environmental degradation, and social inequities. They are vital for ensuring a sustainable future, reducing global inequality, and enhancing the quality of life for millions. Moreover, the SDGs emphasise leaving no one behind, targeting the most vulnerable populations, and ensuring progress benefits everyone. However, there are challenges and complications. Progress towards achieving the SDGs has been mixed and uneven across different countries, regions, and goals. Indeed, significant advancements have been made in areas like poverty reduction, access to electricity, and improved healthcare. For example, global poverty rates declined steadily before the COVID-19 pandemic, and millions gained access to basic services such as clean water and education. Nevertheless, intractable problems are prevalent. Climate change continues to accelerate, inequality is rising, and many environmental targets, such as biodiversity conservation, are lagging behind. The COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts, such as the unnecessary and avoidable wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan, have further slowed progress by disrupting economies, increasing inequalities, and redirecting resources away from SDG initiatives. A significant barrier is inadequate funding. Achieving the SDGs requires trillions of dollars in investment annually, but many countries, especially low-income nations, lack the financial resources. Additionally, some regions' political instability, corruption, and poor governance hinder progress. The interconnected nature of the SDGs also means that failure in one area can impact others. For example, climate change exacerbates poverty and inequality, while conflicts and pandemics disrupt global efforts. Many countries' lack of data and monitoring capacity makes it challenging to track progress and identify effective solutions. The target date for attaining all 17 SDGs is 2030. It is a short five years away, yet according to the United Nations' 2024 SDG Report, only 17% of the SDG targets are currently on track to be achieved by 2030. Nearly half of the targets show minimal or moderate progress, while over a third are either stalled or regressing [132]. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Professor Arthur Mutambara's book "Artificial Intelligence: A Driver of Inclusive Development and Shared Prosperity for the Global South." Image: Supplied Indeed, the SDG agenda is characterised by an existential global crisis. So, what should be done? This book seeks to contribute to the resolution of this predicament. It aims to provide solutions to the challenges that have impeded the achievement of the SDGs by exploring broad and holistic interventions, technology-driven remedies, and, more specifically, the deployment of AI—the implementation of human intelligence in machines or systems programmed to perform tasks such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making. It is instructive to note that AI is just one tool. It is not a silver bullet. Achieving the SDGs by 2030 will require broader efforts and solutions than the use of AI systems. Attaining the SDGs will depend on enhanced global cooperation, increased funding, improved infrastructure, and economic integration. Innovative solutions, such as leveraging technology and enhancing public-private partnerships, will be essential. The book proposes the acceleration of SDG progress by prioritising SDG implementation through stronger political commitment, integrated policies, and increased investment. There is a need to strengthen governance and policy frameworks. This ensures that resources are allocated efficiently, corruption is minimised, and accountability is upheld in implementing development programmes. Strong institutions, transparent decision-making, and inclusive policymaking are essential to ensure that progress towards the SDGs benefits everyone, particularly marginalised and vulnerable populations. Countries must align their national strategies, policies, and budgets with SDGs, devising long-term plans to address interconnected challenges while ensuring inclusive and equitable policies. This includes enacting laws and regulations that promote equity, sustainability, and environmental conservation. Governments must introduce incentives for renewable energy adoption, enforce labour laws to reduce inequalities, and enhance land-use planning to protect biodiversity. There is a need to adopt innovations such as renewable energy for climate action and digital tools for education and healthcare. SDG progress can be driven by improving human capital through investments in education, healthcare, and social protection systems. Increasing funding for vocational training and public health campaigns can empower communities to address SDG-related challenges such as unemployment and public health crises. International organisations, such as the United Nations and World Bank, must continue to support capacity-building and financial assistance for low-income countries. Achieving the SDGs requires bridging gaps between emerging or least industrialised economies and highly industrialised ones. There must be collaboration within the Global South and partnerships between the Global North and Global South. Global challenges like climate change, pandemics, and economic inequality require coordinated international efforts. Enhancing international cooperation and financing mechanisms is foundational to addressing funding gaps and sharing knowledge and resources for SDG implementation. Highly industrialised countries must honour commitments to provide financial aid and technical support to emerging and least industrialised economies, mainly through mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund and the Global Partnership for Education. There is a need to develop innovative climate financing models, including those based on carbon pricing such as carbon taxes, cap-and-trade systems, carbon markets, and green bonds. Fostering public-private partnerships can unlock investments in sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, and other critical sectors. International trade policies should also be reformed to ensure fair market access for low-income countries. Strengthening multilateral institutions like the United Nations and World Bank is essential to coordinating global efforts, reducing systemic inequalities, and accelerating progress towards achieving the SDGs. The arduous SDG journey towards 2030 will rise or fall on leadership. There is a need for visionary leadership at organisational, national, regional, continental, and global levels—characterised by the ability to create and articulate a clear, compelling future vision that inspires and motivates others to achieve the shared SDGs. It is essential for those driving the SDG agenda to have a unique blend of foresight, passion, and innovation, enabling them to see beyond the current reality and anticipate future trends and challenges. All this must be anchored by our shared common humanity and global interests, not narrow national, sectarian, or hegemonic interests. Unfortunately, events in the United States in early 2025 have signalled a shift from global collective leadership to isolationist, national interest-driven paradigms. US President Donald Trump signed executive orders to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement, the World Health Organisation, the UN Human Rights Council, and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. He is also reviewing the country's role in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation and has moved to dismantle the United States Agency for International Development. Achieving the SDGs in 2030 demands a different type of global leadership. Technology (not necessarily Artificial Intelligence (AI)) is pivotal in advancing the SDGs by providing innovative solutions to global challenges. For instance, renewable energy technologies like solar panels, wind turbines, and hydropower systems are critical for achieving affordable and clean energy and combatting climate change. Similarly, advancements in water purification and sanitation systems directly address water and sanitation by ensuring access to safe drinking water and reducing waterborne diseases. Medical technologies, such as vaccines, portable diagnostic kits, and telemedicine platforms, are instrumental in advancing good health and well-being by improving healthcare access and disease prevention. Desalination plants, water filtration systems, and wastewater recycling have significantly improved water security in arid and drought-prone regions. Drip irrigation schemes, bioengineered crops, and precision farming tools are transforming food production systems and reducing hunger. Emerging and least industrialised economies must move up the global value chains by implementing beneficiation and value addition. These two processes enhance the economic value of raw materials through local processing and manufacturing, generating higher revenues, creating jobs, and igniting sustainable development through the attainment of the SDGs. The most significant contribution of this book is the use of AI to accelerate progress towards achieving the SDGs. Artificial Intelligence—the development of computer systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation—is briefly introduced, and its unprecedented transformative nature is explained. The AI revolution is here. There were bold announcements on AI and its infrastructure in January 2025 from global leaders, such as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, then US President Joe Biden, and current US President Donald (immediately after his inauguration). Artificial Intelligence has become a key driver of competitiveness in every sector, and countries are unleashing massive investments in AI infrastructure. China's release, in the same month, of a ground-breaking open-source, low-cost, and less energy-intensive large language model called DeepSeek-R1, whose functionality is comparable to US offerings such as OpenAI's ChatGPT-4, Google's Gemini, and xAI's Grok 4, dramatises the equal-opportunity nature of the technology. AI systems have the potential to provide innovative solutions to complex global challenges that impede the attainment of SDGs worldwide. For instance, AI-driven data analysis and predictive modelling can enhance decision-making processes across multiple SDG targets. In agriculture, AI systems can optimise crop yields by analysing weather patterns, soil quality, and pest activity, supporting the fight against hunger. These systems can guide farmers on when and where to plant crops, helping to reduce resource waste and adapt to climate-induced agricultural challenges. Similarly, AI-powered tools in supply chain management can minimise food loss and waste, ensuring that resources are used efficiently and equitably. AI also plays a critical role in improving healthcare systems, contributing to good health and well-being. Machine Learning algorithms are used to detect diseases early, predict outbreaks, and personalise treatment plans based on patient data. For example, AI applications in medical imaging have proven highly accurate in diagnosing conditions like cancer and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, AI-driven tools enable the analysis of large-scale epidemiological data to predict the spread of infectious diseases, allowing governments to implement timely interventions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, AI was leveraged to track the virus's progression, develop vaccines, and optimise healthcare delivery in overburdened systems. Furthermore, AI can advance climate crisis mitigation by supporting climate modelling and environmental monitoring. AI-powered tools can analyse satellite imagery to monitor deforestation, track changes in land use, and measure carbon emissions. These insights help policymakers implement targeted conservation efforts and design effective climate adaptation strategies. Additionally, AI can optimise energy use by managing power grids, improving energy storage, and integrating renewable energy sources like wind and solar into the grid. By reducing energy waste and emissions, AI technologies contribute to the global transition towards a low-carbon economy. For quality education, AI-powered adaptive learning platforms provide personalised education tailored to individual learning styles and needs, making quality education accessible to marginalised communities. AI also supports gender equality by identifying and addressing systemic biases in hiring processes and enabling women entrepreneurs to access financial services through AI-based credit scoring. Moreover, AI-driven financial inclusion initiatives, such as mobile banking and digital payment systems, empower underserved populations, advancing decent work and economic growth. By deploying AI thoughtfully and equitably, governments and organisations can harness its transformative power to address global inequalities and achieve the SDGs. The book addresses AI safety, regulation, legislation, governance, risk mitigation, and carbon footprint while reviewing the AI semiconductor industry. It also assesses AI's potential negative impact on the SDGs and examines the challenges of AI deployment. It emphasises aligning all national, regional, or continental plans with the AI-enabled SDG agenda. Summaries of AI-for-SDG experiences from six countries are outlined, and emerging best practices are harvested. Details of enablers of AI deployment for SDGs are proposed and discussed—robust digital infrastructure and connectivity; awareness, education, and capacity building; regulations and ethical governance and accountability; guardrails; high-quality local data; financial resources and investment; beneficiation and value addition; research and development; and an accountable, capable, ethical developmental state. Similarly, critical mutually reinforcing drivers are presented: process efficiency and effectiveness; innovation and technological advancements; scalability and replicability; data-driven decision-making; addressing complex challenges; inclusivity and accessibility; partnerships and collaboration; private sector engagement; and policy support, governance frameworks, and global commitment. Furthermore, it is essential to develop an AI ecosystem; embrace AI users' voices and insights; champion participatory approaches to AI design and deployment; incorporate diverse perspectives; and adopt feedback and iterative improvement mechanisms. There is efficacy in leveraging AI-enabled leapfrogging for SDGs, where emerging and least industrialised countries can bypass traditional stages of technological evolution and move directly to more advanced cutting-edge AI solutions. It is essential to embrace decoloniality in AI—a theoretical and practical framework aimed at dismantling the structures, knowledge systems, and power dynamics established during and after colonial rule, and likely to influence the essence and content of AI systems. In the same vein, it is imperative to democratise AI—making AI technologies, tools, knowledge, and opportunities accessible to a broader range of people, communities, and organisations beyond a privileged few. Global governance for AI is vital. The key recommendations of the UN Secretary-General's 2024 AI Advisory Final Report are discussed. The strengths and flaws of this report are presented and explained. The principles of AI regulation/legislation and AI risk verticals are presented, while exemplary cases of AI legislation, such as the 2024 European Union AI Act, are reviewed, drawing lessons for other jurisdictions. However, the limitations of regulations and legislation as AI management tools are articulated, while the sociology of AI policy and adoption is also investigated. While the book emphasises the need to embrace a broad range of enabling technologies, with a special focus on AI, it acknowledges the risks of technology-driven challenges such as digital imperialism and data colonialism, particularly in emerging and least industrialised economies. An incisive and robust case is made for decoloniality in AI on the SDG journey—a theoretical and practical framework aimed at dismantling the structures, knowledge systems, and power dynamics established during and after colonial rule and likely to influence the essence and content of AI systems. Furthermore, the book puts a premium on democratising AI in pursuit of the SDGs— making AI technologies, tools, knowledge, and opportunities accessible to a broader range of people, communities, organisations, countries, and beyond a privileged few individuals, institutions, and economies. A key contribution of the book to AI adoption and thought leadership is the Strategic Framework for AI Deployment, which has six distinct but related components: Vision, Strategy, Policy, Governance, Legislation/Regulations, and Implementation Matrix (inclusive of Monitoring, Measurement, Evaluation and Feedback). In pursuit of the SDGs, every continent, regional bloc of states, country, organisation, or community must develop and adopt such a framework, where these structures dynamically influence each other. Within this context, the role of both regional and continental integration and political unity is articulated. The African Union's 2024 Continental AI Strategy is reviewed. Its strengths and weaknesses are discussed. The book provides details on deploying AI to achieve all 17 SDGs. Each goal is examined, its challenges are assessed, and detailed proposals for AI interventions to facilitate attainment are posited. AI adoption challenges and ethical considerations specific to the goal are discussed, and policy recommendations are proffered. The potential future envisioned in the 2030 SDG agenda—a world free from poverty, hunger, and environmental degradation—is slowly becoming elusive, if not illusory. That desired future— complete attainment of the SDGs—is not inevitable. It is contingent on immediate and transformative action. Political and business leaders, policymakers, academics, civil society activists, and ordinary citizens must reignite momentum towards the SDGs, ensuring that 2030 becomes a milestone of achievement rather than a moment of regret. Global cooperation, regional/continental integration, moving up global value chains, inclusive economic transformation, addressing the climate crisis, and use of advanced technology (in particular AI) can play a significant role in the arduous journey to 2030. Of course, there is the danger that AI will widen global inequality. Left unchecked, AI can intensify global disparities by consolidating power and wealth in affluent nations while exploiting labour and resources in emerging and least industrialised countries. There is a real possibility that AI will entrench existing inequities, leading to heightened political instability, environmental degradation, and cultural dominance by a select few. This book seeks to mitigate these challenges. AI must serve as a transformative force for the collective good, benefiting the entire planet and all its inhabitants in an equitable manner. Harnessing this transformative technology to advance the SDGs in every country offers a strategic and practical starting point. The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, is right: 'We must never allow AI to stand for advancing inequality.' This is an excerpt from the book "Artificial Intelligence: A Driver of Inclusive Development and Shared Prosperity for the Global South." * Professor Arthur G.O. Mutambara is the Director and Full Professor of the Institute for the Future of Knowledge (IFK) at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa. ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.
Times of Oman
a day ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
64.3% Indians now covered under social security, against 22% in 2016
New Delhi: About 64.3 per cent of Indian population is covered by social protection systems in 2025, increasing from 22 per cent in 2016, indicating a substantial expansion in social security coverage in the country, according to the latest Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) National Indicator Framework (NIF) Progress Report, 2025. According to the report, which was quoted in the Department of Economic Affairs' monthly review, the proportion of the population that is multidimensionally poor has decreased from 24.9% in 2015-16 to 15% in 2019-21. "This achievement is a testament to the government's commitment towards inclusive growth," read the monthly economic review report. The government's initiatives for improving access to basic amenities are reflected in the rise in the percentage of the population using an improved drinking water source in rural areas, which has increased from 94.6% in 2015-16 to 99.6% in 2024-25. Universal household electrification is expected to be achieved by 2021-22, while 100 per cent of the districts are projected to achieve the Open Defecation Free (ODF) target by 2024-25, according to the report. "The Government's efforts to provide affordable housing, social security for workers, food security, financial inclusion, universal access to basic amenities and high-quality affordable healthcare are instrumental in improving the overall well-being and standards of living," it added. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation's (MoSPI) latest Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) National Indicator Framework (NIF) Progress Report, 2025, provided a comprehensive picture of the impact of these initiatives in achieving SDG targets. Coming to the monthly economic review report, India's economy sustained its growth momentum in the first quarter of 2025-26, supported by robust domestic demand, resilient business and services activity, and a favourable onset of the southwest monsoon. High-frequency indicators reflected broad-based strength, registering strong year-on-year growth. While the manufacturing and construction sectors continued to expand, the services sector anchored overall economic growth in Q1 of 2025-26, according to the abstract of the review report. Inflationary pressures continue to recede in Q1 of 2025-26, with CPI inflation falling to a 77-month low of 2.1 per cent in June 2025. This sharp moderation was driven by a significant decline in food inflation, particularly in the prices of vegetables and pulses.
Saudi Gazette
3 days ago
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia concludes participation in UN High-Level Political Forum 2025 on sustainable development
Saudi Gazette report NEW YORK — Saudi Arabia concluded its participation in the 2025 United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, which brought together nations to review global efforts and progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in the 2030 Agenda. The forum ran from July 14 to 23 at the UN headquarters in New York. The Saudi delegation was led by Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Al-Ibrahim and included representatives from nine government entities: the Ministries of Economy and Planning, Foreign Affairs, Health, Human Resources and Social Development, and Environment, Water and Agriculture; the Saudi Fund for Development; Madinah Development Authority; the National Center for Wildlife; and the Quality of Life Program. In his remarks, Minister Al-Ibrahim highlighted Saudi Arabia's rapid progress on sustainable development indicators within the G20 over the past decade, attributing it to Vision 2030, which he described as a national project born from the aspirations of the leadership and the Saudi people. "Vision 2030 has enabled the Kingdom to become the fastest-progressing G20 country in SDG indicators over the last 10 years," Al-Ibrahim said. "This progress reflects the power of aligning ambition with structured action, strong political will, and effective policies." He also pointed to innovative local initiatives, such as the launch of the Sustainable Development Atlas by Madinah City, which covers all 70 of its neighborhoods and supports evidence-based policy design through comprehensive data mapping and scenario modeling. Saudi Arabia's water sustainability efforts were spotlighted as the Kingdom was recognized by the UN Water Committee for its clear progress on SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation), particularly in integrated water resources management. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture presented key lessons learned in securing water sustainability in one of the world's most arid regions during a dedicated side event. Additionally, the Ministry of Economy and Planning, in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, the Quality of Life Program, and the Madinah Development Authority, organized a side event focusing on cross-sectoral integration, institutional capabilities, and innovation to accelerate progress toward the SDGs. The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) also participated with an informational pavilion showcasing its contributions to global sustainable development through the financing of projects in health, education, energy, infrastructure, industry, and mining. On the sidelines of the forum, Minister Al-Ibrahim held a series of bilateral meetings with senior officials to explore opportunities for strategic partnerships, economic cooperation, and investment. The High-Level Political Forum is held annually under the auspices of the UN Economic and Social Council and serves as a key platform for tracking SDG progress since its inception in 2012.
