Artificial Intelligence and Human Intelligence for Sustainable Development

This introductory chapter of the World Sustainable Development Outlook 2026 focuses on the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Human Intelligence, the book explores how technological innovation and human capabilities can work together to address contemporary sustainability challenges. The contributions examine a diverse range of topics, including AI governance, sustainable healthcare, renewable energy, education, employment, finance, food security, digital identity, and sustainable business development. Collectively, these different chapters highlight the opportunities and challenges associated with AI adoption and emphasise the importance of human-centred approaches, ethical governance, skills development, and institutional capacity in advancing sustainable development and accelerate the pace of the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals.