Observatory on AI and Work in the Digital Economy – International Labour Organization

Report on the International Labour Organization’s Observatory and its Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: Aligning Digital Transformation with Global Development Agendas

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has established the Observatory on Artificial Intelligence and Work in the Digital Economy. This initiative serves as a primary international knowledge center, critically examining the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) and the digital economy on the world of work. The Observatory’s core mission is intrinsically linked to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly in navigating the complexities of digital transformation to foster inclusive and sustainable growth.

Strategic Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Observatory’s functions are directly aligned with several key Sustainable Development Goals, providing essential support to member states and social partners in their implementation efforts.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: By providing data and analysis on AI’s impact, the Observatory helps formulate policies that promote full and productive employment and decent work for all, ensuring that technological advancement translates into shared prosperity.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: The initiative supports the development of resilient infrastructure and promotes inclusive and sustainable industrialization by fostering innovation in the digital sphere, ensuring that the benefits of AI are harnessed responsibly.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: A primary focus is to understand and mitigate the risks of digital divides. The Observatory equips stakeholders with the knowledge to create policies that ensure the digital transformation of work does not exacerbate existing inequalities within and among countries.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The Observatory functions as a multi-stakeholder platform, strengthening the global partnership for sustainable development by facilitating collaboration between governments, employers’ organizations, and workers’ organizations to manage the transition effectively.

Primary Objectives in the Context of the SDGs

The Observatory aims to achieve its mission through a set of structured objectives designed to support SDG-related policy-making:

1. To serve as the leading international knowledge hub on the nexus of AI, the digital economy, and the world of work, contributing directly to evidence-based policy for SDG 8.
2. To support governments and social partners in comprehending the multifaceted impacts of the ongoing digital transformation.
3. To facilitate the management of this transformation in a manner that is human-centered, sustainable, and aligned with international labor standards and the broader 2030 Agenda.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The article’s central theme is the “world-of-work dimensions of AI and the digital economy.” The ILO Observatory’s goal to help manage the “digital transformation of work” directly aligns with promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

  The focus on “Artificial Intelligence” and the “digital economy” connects directly to fostering innovation. The establishment of a “knowledge hub” to understand these technological advancements supports the goal of building resilient infrastructure and promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The article states that the Observatory aims to “support governments and social partners.” This highlights a multi-stakeholder approach and international cooperation, which is the core principle of SDG 17, emphasizing the need for partnerships to achieve sustainable development.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 8.2 (under SDG 8)

  This target aims to “achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation.” The article’s focus on understanding and managing AI and the digital economy is directly related to leveraging technological upgrading and innovation for productivity.

• Target 9.b (under SDG 9)

  This target focuses on supporting “domestic technology development, research and innovation.” An “international knowledge hub” like the ILO Observatory provides crucial information and analysis that supports research and innovation in the field of AI and its impact on work.

• Target 17.16 (under SDG 17)

  This target aims to “enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships.” The Observatory’s mission to support “governments and social partners” is a clear example of a multi-stakeholder partnership designed to address a global challenge.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Implied Indicator for Target 8.2

  The article does not mention a specific quantitative indicator. However, the very existence and utilization of the “ILO Observatory on Artificial Intelligence and Work” can serve as a qualitative indicator. It represents a mechanism for monitoring the impact of AI on the world of work, which is a prerequisite for managing the digital transformation effectively.

• Implied Indicator for Target 9.b

  The article implies an indicator related to knowledge sharing and capacity building. The establishment of an “international knowledge hub” is an indicator of progress in creating platforms for sharing information on technology and innovation. Its success could be measured by the number of countries or organizations accessing its resources.

• Implied Indicator for Target 17.16

  The article implies an indicator related to multi-stakeholder engagement. The functioning of the Observatory, which brings together governments and social partners, is an indicator of an active partnership. Progress could be measured by the number and diversity of stakeholders engaged with the Observatory’s work.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

Source: ilo.org