Mastering Digital Transformation for Implementing the UN SDGs 

Subjects covered within the masterclass will include introduction to SD; leadership; DT; Knowledge Management (KM); communication skills; and women empowerment. Participants will acquire comprehensive knowledge and practical experience about AI and KM approaches in alignment with the local needs and capabilities. It is also a great opportunity for participants to gain good knowledge on AI and KM and gain background information on problem solving using AI. Moreover, you will also learn about problem description, representation and solving using AI and/or KM.

The UN has recognised that DT (such as AI), when developed and applied with responsibility and in ethical manner, can potentially accelerate the progress towards SDGs. Therefore, the key aim of this masterclass is to explore how DT can be effectively managed and applied to accelerate the achievement of the UN SDGs by offering ethical, inclusive, and innovative solutions to help decision-making processes on SDGs. AI for sustainability as an example is already a branch of AI that explores the application of AI to achieve sustainability, to achieve the SDGs. AI has a critical role in achieving the SDGs due to its ability to analyse vast datasets, optimise the use of resources, operate on complex systems, and offer solutions based on data based and critical analysis. AI provides accurate operational efficiency like in delivering effective healthcare services to remote regions, enhance system for climatic predictions, automating infrastructure development, and much more. In the same vain, several research results claim that AI can accelerate up to 80 per cent of goals. UN has also explained that the applications of AI can support data-driven policymaking, enhance transparency, and foster innovative partnerships which eventually bring the positive change in the society. Moreover, the UN has also advocated that the applications of AI frameworks if are mapped with the technological advancement, human rights, equity, and sustainability can ensure the positive contribution towards global development and prevent digital divide.

According to the United Nations Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) 2019 report titled “Strengthening the policy research uptake in service of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development”, achieving the 17 SDGs of the 2030 Agenda requires evidence-based policies and planning at every level; therefore, the programme will also include substantial components on evidence-based research and policy planning.

Moreover, the masterclass will also examine the role of the private sector together with the public sector (please refer to JIU 2018 report on the Role of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) in the Implementation of Agenda 2030 for more details and recommendations). Both the public and private sector organisations are confronted by environmental factors such as economic, political, sociological, technological, and legal challenges. The need for leaders at all levels to successfully meet these challenges requires a comprehensive appreciation and understanding of their roles, goals and the expected competencies.

Key Themes of the masterclass (but not limited to):

1. Understanding the UN 17 SDGs, targets, indicators and data.
2. Discuss the challenges governments face in the implementation of the various SDGs.
3. Understanding the potential of AI, KM and data science on your organisation/career in terms of productivity, engagement, loyalty and retention.
4. Understanding the key challenges senior leaders face in managing complex organisations.
5. Find new ways of thinking and problem-solving including working and influencing dynamics in organisations, effective team and networks development.
6. Acquire the essential knowledge and relevant social science concepts and theories required for any public policy formulation to implement the SDGs.
7. Develop the skills required to define and critically analyse policy problems, articulate decision-making criteria and propose and evaluate alternative policy solutions.
8. Learn how to manage various public policy initiatives using a unique Digital Program Delivery to ensure digitally enabled transformation for your organisation.
9. During the masterclass, participants will discover new dimensions in leadership and management practices to help them lead their organisations public policy initiatives.