The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), GSMA, and global technology group e& have presented the results of their AI-powered Social and Climate Platform, showcasing how artificial intelligence can generate real-time insights from non-traditional data sources to inform policy decisions and drive sustainable development across the Arab States and beyond.
Launched as part of the Digital for Sustainable Development initiative in 2023, the platform leverages natural language processing and sentiment analysis to monitor key issues such as climate change, natural disasters, and public health. By analyzing trillions of data points, it empowers policymakers, researchers, and development practitioners with the real-time insights they need to make informed decisions that enhance resilience and sustainability.
The collaboration builds on a previous announcement made at the United Nations General Assembly in 2023, where UNDP and e& launched AI use cases to assess the impact of the Türkiye-Syria earthquake. Expanding on this work, the partnership now focuses on developing AI-driven solutions in healthcare, with the goal of improving service delivery and gaining deeper insights into healthcare systems. These efforts are in line with a Responsible AI Framework co-developed by UNDP and e&, which ensures that AI is deployed ethically, transparently, and inclusively across the Arab States.
Robert Opp, Chief Digital Officer at UNDP, highlighted the importance of Responsible AI, saying, “Responsible AI has the potential to drive sustainable development by providing real-time, data-informed insights that strengthen decision-making and resilience. We welcome innovative solutions that align with UNDP’s commitment to ensuring that AI benefits everyone, everywhere.”
Dena Almansoori, Group Chief AI & Data Officer at e&, stated, “Through this collaboration with UNDP, we’re proving that AI, when deployed responsibly, is a force multiplier for impact—transforming digital signals into life-changing solutions that drive resilience, equity, and progress throughout the Arab States and beyond. This is the kind of positive impact e& strives for as we use AI to rewrite the playbook for sustainable development and equip leaders with the foresight to act decisively, deploying solutions where they are needed most.”
