Hamburg declaration on responsible AI: Global leaders commit to responsible AI for sustainable development

BATHINDA: At the Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC), global leaders from the public sector, business, science, and civil society have jointly endorsed the ‘ Hamburg Declaration on Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)’.

The landmark initiative – the first global declaration focused specifically on AI in international development – outlines shared principles and commitments to promote the equitable, inclusive, and sustainable development and deployment of artificial intelligence worldwide, with particular emphasis on empowering developing countries.

The declaration centres on ensuring that AI technologies uphold human rights, serve and protect marginalized communities, and combat disinformation. Co-signatories further commit to improving the resource efficiency of AI systems, expanding access to AI education for women and girls , and supporting the growth of local AI innovations in developing countries.

Achim Steiner, UNDP administrator, said “Artificial Intelligence is one of the most transformative forces of our time, yet its potential remains unrealized for most developing countries. The Hamburg declaration on Responsible AI for Sustainable Development represents a crucial commitment to harnessing AI responsibly, ensuring it promotes equity, connects communities, and addresses global inequalities. The Declaration underscores our collective responsibility. Our task now is to ensure AI’s extraordinary capabilities drive sustainable development, benefiting everyone, everywhere, equally”.

Germany’ federal minister for economic cooperation and development, Reem Alabali-Radovan said “Improving access to fair and sustainable AI worldwide is one of the great challenges of our time. Too many people remain excluded from the benefits of digital innovation. The Hamburg Declaration marks a turning point, AI must become a force for good, a driver of inclusion, equality, and sustainable development”.