How can the SDGs be made more smarter?

The Sustainable Development 2024 report was just released a few days ago. It showed a sad state of affairs with only 17% of the SDG targets being on track. This report has further led to there being a discussion regarding the role that Artificial Intelligence (AI) can play in achieving these goals and how these goals can be made smarter.

A few studies have shown that if AI is used to achieve the targets under each of the goals it would be more efficient to achieve them. But at the same time, these studies also say that AI will inhibit a few of the targets under these goals. Additionally, it is also believed that these goals need to be made measurable as otherwise they're very subjective. Lastly, it states that the changes that are made to these goals will need to be based on the learnings of the past. It highlights how learning from experience is essential to improve future efforts.

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-02023-2

The Role of Technology in Achieving SDGs!

I recently read an interesting article on the major role that technological innovation is expected to play in achieving SDGs and wanted to share it with you! This article highlighted the fact that innovation and technology are the major forces that will accelerate the progress on SDGs. Many stakeholders have to play a role to help achieve these goals. Recently major multinational companies such as Apple, Microsoft, and Google have altered their business strategies to have a larger focus on sustainability. This can be done in many ways such as adopting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria while formulating any policies for the company. Various organizations, such as Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), have focused on raising awareness of sustainable development amongst the population. Many companies are also working on technologies that can help address issues such as inequality, limited access to healthcare and clean water, and a decline in the population of animals due to environmental degradation.

This adoption of sustainable practices also has a variety of benefits that affect a variety of areas. Engaging in sustainable practices can help reduce environmental risk, one of the biggest risks for companies, in today's day and age. This can also help companies build stronger partnerships and allow them to reach out to more environment-conscious consumers and companies.

Link to read the whole article:

https://www.financialexpress.com/business/industry-accelerating-sustainable-development-goals-through-technological-innovation-3495652/

Bangladesh wants to renew its capacity building MOU with India!

Bangladesh had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with India to build the capacity of Bangladeshi civil servants a long time ago. They want to now renew this MOU as they believe that the training programs such as the the mid-career capacity building programs in field administration under this MOU are essential to further strengthen the civil service in Bangladesh.

Since the start, this MOU has been very successful and has led to the creation of 71 capacity-building programs for over 2600 Bangladeshi Civil Servants. I am glad to see that India has been helping train civil servants from other countries and that Bangladesh values this partnership and wants to continue it.

https://theprint.in/diplomacy/bangladesh-to-discuss-renewal-of-capacity-building-mou-with-india/2062308/