Achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals Agenda 2030 through Artificial Intelligence: a critical assessment

AI and the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Authors

  • Dr. Bamisaye Olutola , College of law, Caleb University, Department of Public and International Law, Lagos, Nigeria
  • Prof. Prince Pius Imiera Faculty of Law, Atiba University, Oyo, Oyo state, Nigeria,
  • Dr. Michael Kehinde Osadare College of law, Afe Babalola University, Department of Public and International Law,
  • Adaramola Emmanuel College of law, Afe Babalola University, Department of Public and International Law
  • Joy Ayeni College of law, Achievers University, Department of Private and Business law, Owo, Ondo State

Keywords:

Artificial Intelligence, Sustainable Development Goals,, data governance, Agenda 2030

Abstract

The United Nations 2030 programme for Sustainable Development (SDGs) prioritizes poverty, reduction, equality, environmental protection, economic growth, and access to justice. To actualize these laudable goals, This article argues that artificial intelligence (AI), understood as data?driven systems capable of performing tasks such as prediction, pattern recognition and automated decision?making, can support implementation of selected SDG targets only under clear legal constraints. Rather than treating AI as a generic “fourth industrial revolution” solution, the article examines how AI interacts with core legal functions of SDG governance: data generation and monitoring, public?sector procurement and deployment, rights and non?discrimination, liability and redress, and cross?border cooperation. It is contended that existing UN soft?law instruments and fragmented national frameworks are insufficient to ensure that AI?enabled SDG initiatives are lawful, accountable and equitable. The article therefore proposes a normative framework that links AI use for SDGs to binding data?governance duties, transparent procurement, human?rights impact assessment, and access to effective remedies. The following are the research questions: under what legal conditions can AI make a meaningful and justifiable contribution to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development? Secondly, how can African states, in particular, ensure that AI?enabled SDG initiatives do not exacerbate existing structural inequalities and capacity gaps? And thirdly, what reforms at the UN and national levels are required to align AI governance with the 2030 timeline?

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Published

2026-09-03

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 1 (2025): University of Ibadan Law Journal

Section

Articles