An Inclusive and Sustainable Artificial Intelligence Strategy for Europe Based on Human Rights

Abstract

The United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda and other movements toward setting global goals such as the Paris Agreement and the European Green Deal/U.S. Green New Deal are laying the groundwork for a transformation beyond purely market-based economics toward sustainability and inclusiveness [1] , in which technological innovation and, in particular, artificial intelligence (AI) can play a central role. The European Union (EU) is committed to the 2030 Agenda and the sustainable development goals (SDGs), which the UN itself has recognized cannot be achieved without a people-focused, science-based, digital revolution [2] . This commitment to the 2030 Agenda should entail promoting an inclusive and sustainable AI strategy, rather than a strategy with a narrow focus on competitiveness [3] , [4] . In order for AI to contribute to achieving the SDGs, a systemic approach to the development of AI solutions is required [5] – [9] . Conversely, the SDGs provide an ideal framework to test the desirability of AI solutions [10] . Europe’s multicultural character and its framework of international collaboration give it a head start toward becoming a global reference in the promotion of an inclusive and sustainable AI. Sharing the experiences and practices of such a European AI could make a significant contribution to achieving the SDGs.