AI & Quantum Tech: Accelerating Progress on the UN SDGs

In a world grappling with pressing challenges from climate change to economic disparities, we need smart solutions – and fast.
Thankfully, innovative new technologies are emerging as powerful tools to drive progress towards the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
As we enter what experts are calling the "Intelligent Age," artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum technology could be the game-changing solutions we need to speed up progress.
The SDG challenge
In 2015, the countries that comprise the United Nations set 17 goals, encompassing all the most pertinent global issues of the day. The aim – achieve them by 2030. Now, with just over five years remaining to meet the 169 measurable targets of the 17 SDGs, progress is alarmingly slow.
Only 17% of the goals are on track, nearly half show minimal to moderate progress, whilst one-third are stalling or regressing.
This sobering reality, compounded by global economic headwinds, has prompted calls for dramatic acceleration in efforts to meet these crucial objectives.
Enter the 'Intelligent Age'
Scientists say we're on the cusp of a new age, known as the Intelligent Age.
It is said that this era will be characterised by the rapid development and deployment of interconnected technologies.
The hope is that these technologies could be turn the dial for socioeconomic change and growth, with AI and quantum technologies at the forefront.
"The Intelligent Age has the potential to far exceed the scope and speed of change of previous industrial revolutions," says Mirek Dušek, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum (WEF).
"It can accelerate progress by transforming many facets of society through the judicious, open and inclusive use of technology to deliver solutions for people and planet."
AI: a catalyst for growth?
It's no secret: AI holds vast economic potential. So much, in fact, that experts are estimating it could add between US$2.6tn and US$4.4tn to the global economy every year.
Beyond its economic impact, AI's wide-ranging applications could address some specific SDG-related challenges, such as:
- Resource management: AI can optimise the use of scarce resources and improve soil productivity for sustainable agriculture
- Financial inclusion: AI-powered solutions can enhance financial literacy and access to services in under-served communities
- Education: AI has the potential to democratise education, making quality learning accessible to more people worldwide.
Quantum technology: a paradigm shift?
While still in its early stages, quantum tech has the potential to breathe life into multiple SDGs.
A recent report by Accenture and the WEF highlights the transformative potential of quantum computing, sensing and communication technologies:
- Healthcare: Quantum sensing has already improved the insightfulness of MRI scans and accelerated pharmaceutical development and discovery
- Clean energy: Quantum tech can predict and manage energy demand and supply in real-time, boosting efficiency and reducing costs
- Environmental monitoring: Quantum-enhanced satellite observations can improve disaster response and climate prediction capabilities.
Tech author Bernard Marr puts the power of quantum computing into perspective. He says: "A quantum computer would be able to calculate one trillion moves per second, compared to the 200 million possible moves each second calculated by IBM's Deep Blue when it defeated chess champion Garry Kasparov in 1997."
Challenges and collaborative solutions
Despite all their lofty potential, the rollout of these technologies faces hurdles. Energy consumption is one significant concern, particularly for quantum computing systems.
The Accenture-WEF report highlights this: "Finding more rigorous energy efficiency metrics for measuring quantum's carbon footprint and building machines sustainable-by-design are highly relevant imperatives to fulfil the sustainability agenda."
To harness the full potential of AI and quantum technologies for the SDGs, a unified effort is crucial.
The WEF is leading initiatives like the Quantum Economy Network and the Quantum Applications Hub to foster responsible innovation and commercial viability of these technologies.
The path forward
Today, we find ourselves at a bit of a crossroads.
Mirek believes the choice is clear. He says: "Now is the time to crowd out the Age of Fragmentation and to embrace the opportunities of the Intelligent Age."
By embracing and responsibly deploying AI and quantum technologies, we can unlock unprecedented opportunities to accelerate progress on the SDGs.
Arunima Sarkar, AI Lead at the WEF's Centre for Fourth Industrial Revolution, feel the same.
She says: "Quantum technology will permeate and impact every key sector of the economy and take us into a period likely to be referred to as the post-quantum era."
The potential of AI and quantum tech to address global challenges is immense. From optimising resource management to overhauling healthcare and energy systems, these technologies offer a pathway to a more sustainable world.
With just five years left to meet the 2030 SDG targets, the tech of the Intelligent Age may truly be the best hope for creating lasting positive change on a global scale.
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