Developmental Goals and AI in the Context of Crises and Disasters

Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds significant promise for advancing peace, digital resilience, and sustainable development in countries experiencing conflict, crisis, or undergoing political transition. Grounded in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this chapter presents a framework for prioritizing SDGs across the phases of crisis (emergency response, stabilization, and long-term development) and demonstrates how AI and digital technologies can operationalize sustainable development even in the most adverse conditions. By shifting from a peace-time ideal to a crisis-informed implementation model, we can transform the SDGs from aspirational blueprints into tools for resilience, recovery, and transformation. We argue that effective AI-enabled resilience begins with robust foundational infrastructure and services, upon which increasingly sophisticated digital security and decision-support layers must be built. Beyond technical measures, we emphasize the need for strategic cross-sector alignment, inclusive governance, and international cooperation coupled with a culture of cybersecurity awareness and preparedness.