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The Transformative Power of Generative Artificial Intelligence for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goal of Quality Education

Author

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  • Prema Nedungadi

    (Amrita School of Computing, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri 690525, India)

  • Kai-Yu Tang

    (Graduate Institute of Library & Information Science, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City 402202, Taiwan)

  • Raghu Raman

    (Amrita School of Business, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri 690525, India)

Abstract

This study explored the transformative potential of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goal on Quality Education (SDG4), emphasizing its interconnectedness with the other SDGs. A proprietary algorithm and cocitation network analysis were used to identify and analyze the network of SDG features in GAI research publications (n = 1501). By examining GAI’s implications for ten SDG4 targets, the findings advocate for a collaborative, ethical approach to integrating GAI, emphasizing policy and practice developments that ensure that technological advancements align with the overarching goals of SDG4. The results highlight the multifaceted impact of GAI on the SDGs. First, this paper outlines a framework that leverages GAI to enhance educational equity, quality, and lifelong learning opportunities. By highlighting the synergy between GAI and the SDGs, such as reducing inequalities (SDG10) and promoting gender equality (SDG5), this study underscores the need for an integrated approach to utilizing GAI. Moreover, it advocates for personalized learning, equitable technology access, adherence to ethical AI principles, and fostering global citizenship, proposing a strategic alignment of GAI applications with the broader SDG agenda. Next, the results highlight that GAI introduces significant challenges, including ethical concerns, data privacy, and the risk of exacerbating the digital divide. Overall, our findings underscore the critical role of policy reforms and innovative practices in navigating the challenges and harnessing the opportunities presented by GAI in education, thereby contributing to a comprehensive discourse on technology’s role in advancing global education and sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Prema Nedungadi & Kai-Yu Tang & Raghu Raman, 2024. "The Transformative Power of Generative Artificial Intelligence for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goal of Quality Education," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-27, November.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:22:p:9779-:d:1517363
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Raghu Raman & Vinith Kumar Nair & Prema Nedungadi, 2023. "Discrepancies in Mapping Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) Research: A Comparative Analysis of Scopus and Dimensions Databases," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(23), pages 1-23, November.
    2. Ismaila Rimi Abubakar, 2022. "Multidimensional Poverty among Nigerian Households: Sustainable Development Implications," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 164(2), pages 993-1014, November.
    3. Vivek Kumar Singh & Prashasti Singh & Mousumi Karmakar & Jacqueline Leta & Philipp Mayr, 2021. "The journal coverage of Web of Science, Scopus and Dimensions: A comparative analysis," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 126(6), pages 5113-5142, June.
    4. Måns Nilsson & Dave Griggs & Martin Visbeck, 2016. "Policy: Map the interactions between Sustainable Development Goals," Nature, Nature, vol. 534(7607), pages 320-322, June.
    5. Nees Jan Eck & Ludo Waltman, 2010. "Software survey: VOSviewer, a computer program for bibliometric mapping," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 84(2), pages 523-538, August.
    6. David Griggs & Mark Stafford-Smith & Owen Gaffney & Johan Rockström & Marcus C. Öhman & Priya Shyamsundar & Will Steffen & Gisbert Glaser & Norichika Kanie & Ian Noble, 2013. "Sustainable development goals for people and planet," Nature, Nature, vol. 495(7441), pages 305-307, March.
    7. Thomas Adams & Syed Muslim Jameel & Jamie Goggins, 2023. "Education for Sustainable Development: Mapping the SDGs to University Curricula," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-32, May.
    8. Raghu Raman & Aswathy Sreenivasan & Suresh Ma & Anand Patwardhan & Prema Nedungadi, 2023. "Green Supply Chain Management Research Trends and Linkages to UN Sustainable Development Goals," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(22), pages 1-27, November.
    9. Zied Bahroun & Chiraz Anane & Vian Ahmed & Andrew Zacca, 2023. "Transforming Education: A Comprehensive Review of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Educational Settings through Bibliometric and Content Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-40, August.
    10. Raghu Raman & Walter Leal Filho & Hector Martin & Suparna Ray & Dayana Das & Prema Nedungadi, 2024. "Exploring Sustainable Development Goal Research Trajectories in Small Island Developing States," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-25, August.
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    1. Jorge Buele & Ángel Ramón Sabando-García & Bosco Javier Sabando-García & Hugo Yánez-Rueda, 2025. "Ethical Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence Among Ecuadorian University Students," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-16, May.
    2. Rok Gabrovšek & David Rihtaršič, 2025. "Custom Generative Artificial Intelligence Tutors in Action: An Experimental Evaluation of Prompt Strategies in STEM Education," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-20, October.
    3. Nur ‘Amirah Mhd Noh & Ahmad Amru Mohamad Zaid & Rabeah Md Zin, 2025. "Transforming Teaching and Learning through LIFT: A Structured Dashboard for Education 5.0," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(22), pages 15-20, October.
    4. Ahmed Sadek Abdelmagid & Naif Mohammed Jabli & Abdullah Yahya Al-Mohaya & Ahmed Ali Teleb, 2025. "Integrating Interactive Metaverse Environments and Generative Artificial Intelligence to Promote the Green Digital Economy and e-Entrepreneurship in Higher Education," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-30, June.

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