Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the game in how we evaluate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)[1]. If you’re a young evaluator, I will tell you this: understanding and embracing AI is becoming more important than ever. Let’s dive into how AI is transforming what we evaluate, the skills we need, the opportunities it brings, and the challenges we’ll need to tackle together.
Written by Marie-Hélène Adrien. Marie-Hélène is a Senior Evaluator focused on organizational partnerships and performance. As Co-Chair of EVALSDGs, she is passionate about inspiring the next generation of evaluators to address the SDGs.
Imagine this: you’re working on a project to assess the impact of an education program in a rural area. In the past, you might have had to rely on outdated reports or incomplete data to piece together how things were going. But with AI, that changes. Now, you can use tools that analyze real-time data from local schools, community feedback, and even economic trends. AI can help you pull all this information together, giving you a clear and up-to-date picture of what’s working and what isn’t. It’s like having a supercharged toolkit that lets you see the bigger picture, faster and with more accuracy.
But AI isn’t just about crunching numbers. It’s also helping us monitor progress in real-time[2]. For example, think about deforestation. Instead of waiting months or even years to assess the impact of deforestation efforts, AI can analyze satellite images in real-time, showing you exactly where forests are being cut down—and where they’re regrowing. This means you can respond more quickly and make decisions that have a real impact.
As AI becomes more common, we’re not just evaluating programs; we’re also going to need to evaluate the AI systems themselves. Are they fair? Are they transparent? Are they really helping us achieve our goals? For instance, if an AI system is being used to distribute healthcare resources, we need to make sure it’s doing so equitably, across all communities. This means understanding how the AI makes decisions and ensuring those decisions are fair and just[3].
Of course, challenges remain. Not everyone has easy access to high-speed internet or reliable electricity, which can make it harder to use AI tools. And without the right hardware and software, some regions could fall behind[4]. There’s also the challenge of education—not everyone has access to quality training in AI and data science. But with targeted programs and scholarships, we can help bridge these gaps. Additionally, there is a concern that AI may replace some of the lower-entry positions and take over tasks that young evaluators were traditionally responsible for. This makes it crucial for us to stay ahead of the game, constantly updating our skills and embracing new technologies to remain relevant. And as we develop AI systems, we must consider local contexts to avoid reinforcing existing inequalities. Inclusivity and ethical guidelines are crucial in making AI work for everyone.
So, what does this mean for young, and not so young evaluators? It means we need to get comfortable with AI and data science. Embrace and master the tools at your disposal[5]. Be part of the movement and don’t be left behind!! But while AI can provide us with lots of data, our human judgment is still irreplaceable. We need to look critically at AI outputs, ask the right questions, and be aware of potential biases. And let’s not forget ethics—using AI responsibly is key to ensuring it benefits everyone, not just a few.
As I think about these issues, I often wonder: How can we, as evaluators, overcome barriers to accessing AI technology while evaluating SDG progress? What role can international organizations play in bridging the digital divide to support our work? How can we ensure AI systems are developed with diverse and inclusive input to better achieve the SDGs? And how can AI tools be tailored to better fit our local contexts and needs? I would love to hear your thoughts….
AI has the potential to greatly enhance how we evaluate the SDGs. By embracing AI, we can gain deeper insights, track progress as it happens, and make data-driven decisions that lead to real change. Despite the challenges, with the right support and resources, we can use AI to bridge global gaps and work toward a brighter, more equitable future. Here’s to a future where AI not only improves evaluations but also encourages global collaboration and innovation.
What do you think about the future of AI in evaluating the SDGs? Let me know, and let’s keep the conversation going. Keep learning, stay curious, and may your evaluations always be insightful!
[1] https://unsdg.un.org/latest/announcements/harnessing-artificial-intelligence-sustainable-development-goals-sdgs.
[2] https://www3.weforum.org/docs/Harnessing_Artificial_Intelligence_for_the_Earth_report_2018.pdf
[3] https://proceedings.mlr.press/v81/binns18a/binns18a.pdf
[4] https://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-d/opb/gen/D-GEN-INVEST.CON-2020-PDF-E.pdf
[5] https://www.gcedclearinghouse.org/sites/default/files/resources/190175eng.pdf