Expert: AI must align with sustainable development goals

Artificial intelligence (AI) holds great promise for advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, but also presents significant challenges, said Gong Ke, Executive Director of the Chinese Institute of New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Strategies, during an special TV program of CGTN titled "Embrace the AI era: Global Governance Initiative in action."

Gong noted that while digital technologies can accelerate progress in areas such as clean energy and safe water, they may also worsen the digital divide and increase environmental pressures. He cited a positive case in Shenzhen, where AI helped reduce battery testing costs by 40 percent, saving both energy and resources. At the same time, China is pushing "digital and green dual transformation" to curb AI's energy use through efficiency improvements and renewable energy.

To address inequalities, Gong highlighted China's efforts in AI capacity building, including a UN-backed resolution and the Engineering Capacity Building for Africa program, aimed at strengthening both infrastructure and engineering talent.

Click here to watch the full program.