Sustainability Forum: Industry experts unravel technology’s influential impact in pursuit of sustainable development goals as part of the Microsoft AI Innovation Series

Opening the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development last year, the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres stressed that the situation “can and must” be turned around. "We have the knowledge, the science, the technology and the resources”, said the UN chief. “What we need is the unity of purpose, effective leadership from all sectors, and urgent, ambitious action”.
As the world faces the ravaging consequences of climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, pandemic, and multiple socio-economic disruptions, it’s crucial that we combine all our strength and knowledge to pursue sustainable development. Meanwhile, the world is rolling towards a digital future, and the far-reaching influence of digital technology can help adopt sustainable practices, improve resource efficiency, reduce pollution and emissions, and adapt to climate change better.

Technology and sustainability

Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), and geospatial mapping have proven potential to assist us in achieving sustainability objectives. And one of the most impactful tools in our arsenal whose full potential we are yet to unlock is Artificial Intelligence or AI. A recent study published in Nature shows that AI can enable the accomplishment of 134 targets out of 169 listed across the 17 UN sustainable development goals (SDGs) for 2030.
Business Insider India and Microsoft are hosting a series of dialogues with industry experts under the “AI Innovation series” to encourage the use of AI as an enabler for a sustainable future. In a panel discussion hosted on June 10, experts deliberated on the topic “Sustainability, Tech and India Inc.” elaborating on how technology can unlock innovative solutions to tackle environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development goals.
Over the last three decades, digital transformation has enabled greater performance, innovation, and creativity in advancing environmental and socio-economic sustainability. Numerous organisations have used these emerging technologies to find solutions to age-old issues in recent years. Now, it’s time to encourage governments, businesses, and individuals across emerging large economies like India to embrace environmental-friendly behaviours, laws, and business models, aided by digital technology.

Panellists' Key takeaways

Overall, the insightful session concluded with panellists agreeing on technology's crucial role in promoting sustainability. AI, blockchain and other emerging technologies unlock innovative solutions to tackle environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development priorities. The panel hopes that this empowering role of technology in the sustainability journey of businesses in India will help ESG from being a buzzword to being a standard operating procedure for India Inc.
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post in partnership with Microsoft