Hamburg Declaration sets global benchmark for responsible AI in sustainable development
- Jamal El-Masri
- Jun 10
- 3 min read
In a landmark move towards ethical technology governance, the Hamburg Declaration on Responsible AI for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was officially adopted at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC) on 2–3 June 2025. This declaration signifies a unified global commitment to harness artificial intelligence (AI) in a manner that is ethical, inclusive, and aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
A framework for ethical AI aligned with the SDGs
The Hamburg Declaration outlines a comprehensive framework for the development and deployment of AI technologies that prioritise human rights, inclusivity, and sustainability. Central to the declaration are the five guiding principles of the 2030 Agenda:
People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership. These principles serve as a foundation for ensuring that AI technologies contribute positively to global development objectives.
Key commitments within the declaration include:
· Human rights and inclusivity: Ensuring AI systems uphold human rights, serve marginalised communities, and combat disinformation.
· Sustainable development: Leveraging AI to address challenges such as climate change, public health, and social equity.
· Transparency and accountability: Promoting openness in AI applications to build trust and ensure ethical use.
These commitments are designed to guide the responsible development of AI technologies that support the achievement of the SDGs.
Collaborative efforts and global commitments
The Hamburg Declaration is the result of extensive collaboration among governments, international organisations, the private sector, academia, and civil society. Notable commitments include:
· Enhancing AI education: Expanding access to AI education, particularly for women and girls, to promote gender equality.
· Supporting local innovation: Fostering AI innovations in developing countries to ensure equitable technological advancement.
· Improving resource efficiency: Developing AI systems that are energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable.
These collaborative efforts underscore the importance of global partnerships in advancing responsible AI practices that align with sustainable development objectives.
Voices from global leaders
Global leaders have emphasised the significance of the Hamburg Declaration:
“Artificial Intelligence is one of the most transformative forces of our time, yet its potential remains unrealised for most developing countries. The Hamburg Declaration represents a crucial commitment to harnessing AI responsibly, ensuring it promotes equity, connects communities, and addresses global inequalities.”— Achim Steiner, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
“Improving access to fair and sustainable AI worldwide is one of the great challenges of our time. The Hamburg Declaration marks a turning point — AI must become a force for good, a driver of inclusion, equality, and sustainable development.”— Reem Alabali-Radovan, Germany's Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development.
These statements reflect a shared vision for AI technologies that are developed and deployed in ways that are ethical, inclusive, and aligned with global development goals.
From commitment to action
The Hamburg Declaration is not merely a statement of intent; it is a call to action. It challenges governments, businesses, and civil society to invest in inclusive and sustainable AI, support local innovation, and ensure no region is excluded from the digital future. The path forward requires collective effort: only through coordinated global action can AI be harnessed responsibly to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and create a more equitable digital future for all.
Further information
For more details on the Hamburg Declaration and opportunities to get involved, you can visit the official BMZ Digital.Global page & https://www.sdgaicompendium.org/hamburg-declaration
