UNGA 80 Side-Event: Honest Discussions at the Intersection of AI and the SDGs

Humane Intelligence, Tech Salon, and Compiler hosted this UNGA 80 side-event, which brought together a select group of ~65 AI for good and responsible AI technologists, researchers, and policy experts working cross-sectorally and across different thematic areas pertaining to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This was a rare opportunity for frank, timely conversations about how technical realities, policymaking, and rapid changes in funding are affecting global efforts to build safer, more trustworthy AI ecosystems. This event was an affiliate session of the ITU–UNDP Digital@UNGA programme – celebrating the power of Digital for Good. Click here to see other affiliate sessions.

This event was graciously funded by:

Watch the full event livestream

Keynote and Panels

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Keynote – Dr. Rumman Chowdhury

Humane Intelligence nonprofit Co-Founder and current Distinguished Advisor, Dr. Rumman Chowdhury, gave the event keynote. In her speech, she focused on the importance of contextual relevance of AI systems and models, and why inclusive global engagement is critical to building a better future with AI.

Panel 1 – Is AI helping us achieve the SDGs?

three panelists on stage
Expert panelists, Jona Repishti of Digital Green and Marco Tedesco of Columbia University, joined moderator Mala Kumar, Interim Executive Director of Humane Intelligence nonprofit, for a discussion on whether AI is helping us achieve the SDGs. The panelists covered environmental and climate concerns, how AI is helping subsistence farmers in sub-Saharan Africa, and how AI can and should play a role in determining what comes after the SDGs expire in 2030.

Panel 2 – What is the role of philanthropy in building a better AI future?

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Expert panelists, Sunil Wadhwani of Wadhwani AI; Vilas Dhar of The McGovern Foundation; and Veronica Olazabal, of Columbia University SIPA, joined moderator Linda Raftree, for a discussion around philanthropy. Sunil spoke about Wadhwani’s work globally, as well as concrete things nonprofits can do to convey their impact. Vilas spoke about McGovern’s approach to systemic change, and Veronica spoke about communication challenges funders and nonprofits face.

Closing Remarks

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Theo Skeadas and Dr. Julie Hollek, Humane Intelligence nonprofit’s Chief of Staff and Head of Engineering, gave the event’s closing remarks. They discussed ways to get involved at Humane Intelligence, including our upcoming bias bounty challenge, red teaming events, and volunteer opportunities.

Thank you for coming!

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On behalf of the Humane Intelligence team, we thank you for coming!

Read the Letter from ITU

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) thanked Humane Intelligence, Compiler, and Tech Salon, for organizing “Honest Discussions at the Intersection of AI and the SDGs”, which was an official affiliate session of Digital@UNGA 2025.

Read the letter

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