AI has the potential to help solve key development issues. It can contribute to reducing poverty, improving education systems, making medical treatment more efficient and supporting measures for climate action. However, access to the necessary data, technology and expertise varies greatly around the world – and represents yet another way in which the Global South is put at a disadvantage. The Hamburg Declaration calls for international cooperation in order to tackle these challenges together. It aims to facilitate digital participation, reduce social inequalities and encourage global responsibility, including for the risks of AI. The Declaration was developed in collaboration with policymakers, the private sector, academia and civil society to ensure the just, sustainable and inclusive use of artificial intelligence (AI) worldwide – in particular for countries that have not previously profited significantly from digital innovations.
The Declaration is based on five guiding principles:
- People: AI needs to promote inclusion, combat discrimination and actively involve disadvantaged groups.
- Planet: AI needs to contribute to protecting the climate and environment and support sustainable technologies.
- Prosperity: AI needs to enable economic participation, boost local innovation and create prospects for all people.
- Peace: Transparent and trustworthy systems need to be in place that prevent misuse.
- Partnership: Cooperation, openness and fair participation by all world regions are needed to shape and promote the responsible use of AI.
The BMZ and UNDP are calling on governments, regional and international organisations, companies, academia and civil society to sign the Hamburg Declaration. The aim is to work together to promote the responsible, just and sustainable use of AI worldwide – with concrete projects and ongoing knowledge exchange based on shared principles.
Further Reading
- BMZ (12.05.2025): Call to sign the Hamburg Declaration on Responsible AI for the SDGs
