Soroptimists Impact SustAInability

The overall aim of the Congress is to make us aware that we live in transition time when new challenges and changes are to be found in most unexpected and old fashioned areas. Artificial Intelligence and Sustainability in particular.

Sustainability has become a critical focus in global development. Central to this is the recognition of social equity, including gender equality. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a transformative technology with the potential to address global challenges, including those outlined in the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, the integration of AI into sustainable development initiatives needs to be inclusive and equitable to ensure its benefits reach all sectors of society. One critical aspect of this inclusivity is the active participation and leadership of women in AI.

Women, who make up half of the world’s population, play a crucial role in advancing sustainability efforts worldwide. Sustainability includes environmental, economic, and social dimensions. The social impact of sustainability initiatives on women, highlights how AI and sustainable development practices can both enable, empower and challenge women's roles in society.

The Role of Women

The involvement of women in AI is crucial for developing innovative, ethical, and effective solutions to global challenges. By addressing the barriers women face and promoting their active participation, the AI community can contribute significantly to achieving sustainable development goals and creating a more inclusive and equitable future. The interconnection between AI and sustainability and women underscores the necessity of gender-inclusive approaches to achieving sustainable development. Enabling women and ensuring their full participation is not only a matter of justice but also a strategic imperative for creating a sustainable and equitable future for all. SIE strives to meet the SDGs, recognizing and amplifying the role of women in sustainability is paramount to fostering global progress and resilience.

Soroptimist International of Europe (SIE)

Soroptimists act as advocates for causes relating to women and girls at local, national and international levels, and focus on the UN SDGs as a universal call for action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity in the world. For more than a century, Soroptimists have been working to eliminate violence against women and girls and ensuring women’s participation in conflict resolution. https://www.soroptimisteurope.org/

Sustainable Development Goal 5 – gender equality

Achieving gender equality is integral to sustainable development. The UN SDG Goal 5 explicitly aims to achieve gender equality and to educate, empower, enable all women and girls. Social equity ensures that women have equal access to resources, opportunities, and decision-making processes. This not only enhances women’s quality of life but also strengthens communities.

Sustainable Development Goal  4 – education

Education, SDG goal 4, is a critical factor in promoting gender equality and sustainability. Educated women are more likely to participate in political and economic processes, advocate for their rights, and make informed decisions about health and family planning. Programmes aimed at increasing girls’ access to education, such as the many projects of Soroptimists, have a transformative impact on communities by breaking the cycle of poverty and promoting sustainable development.