India's SDG Push: The Role of Human-AI Synergy

As the world moves rapidly towards the 2030 deadline for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), India stands uniquely positioned with its demographic strength, digital innovation, and development momentum to demonstrate how inclusive growth and sustainability can go hand in hand.

- TANUJIT CHAKRABORTY AND SUVANGI RATH

While past decades have seen impressive gains in infrastructure and livelihoods globally, they have also brought significant environmental pressures. Around 60 percent of the world's ecosystems have experienced degradation since the mid-20th century. According to a 2021 World Bank estimate, continued losses in ecosystem services could lead to an annual reduction of USD 2.7 trillion in global GDP by 2030. The urgency to act is clear and the SDGs provide a comprehensive roadmap.

India, having embraced the 2030 Agenda in 2015, is navigating this ambitious path with determination. As the world's most populous country, India's SDG progress carries global significance.

Encouragingly, India is making headway on several key goals while also fostering a culture of innovation and technological advancement. The challenge now is to accelerate progress across all goals and the synergy between human capability and Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents a remarkable opportunity.

India's digital infrastructure, supported by initiatives like Digital India, is among the most expansive in the world. This foundation enables powerful applications of AI and data science in areas critical to sustainable development. Importantly, technology is not seen as a replacement for human agency, but as a partner that enhances decision-making, efficiency, and equity.