Artificial intelligence and sustainable development: Public concerns and governance in developed and developing nations

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative technology with the potential to accelerate progress toward the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, its adoption and societal implications vary significantly between developed and developing nations, shaped by differing priorities, socio-economic realities, and governance capacities. This study systematically analyzes global public discourse on AI and its alignment with the SDGs using natural language processing and a graph-based multi-label classification framework. By analyzing over 249,000 posts on social media (Twitter/X) and categorizing them into SDG-related concerns, we reveal shared global priorities, such as the emphasis on SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and key contextual divergences. Developed nations focus on optimizing advanced systems and ethical governance, while developing countries highlight AI's potential to bridge infrastructural gaps and promote digital equity. Notably, SDGs addressing essential human needs, such as Zero Hunger (SDG 2) and Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), remain underrepresented globally. Using expert-driven Delphi panels, we provide context-sensitive governance strategies tailored to regional priorities. This study highlights the necessity of inclusive, adaptive AI policy frameworks that reflect global disparities while fostering equitable development. The findings offer actionable insights for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners seeking to align AI governance with sustainability and equity goals.