Digital Technologies and AI for Environmental
and Social Sustainability

Calls for Papers

We are inviting papers focusing on a range of topics related to this theme, including:

1. Digital Technologies for Environmental and Planetary Health

 

This track explores the transdisciplinary applications of digital technologies and AI for environmental monitoring, conservation, and planetary health. It goes beyond technical solutions to consider the human dimension, including:

 

  • Human Behaviour and Psychology: How digital tools can be used to influence consumer behaviour and encourage sustainable practices. This could include gamification of conservation, persuasive design in energy consumption apps, and psychological studies on public perception of climate data.
  • Medical and Health Implications: The use of remote sensing and AI to monitor environmental factors that impact public health, such as air and water quality. It could also explore the role of digital health platforms in promoting wellness in relation to environmental change.
  • Marketing and Communication: The role of digital marketing and social media in raising awareness about environmental issues and promoting sustainable products and services.

2. AI-Powered Solutions for the Circular Economy and Sustainable Consumption

 

This sub-theme focuses on how AI and digital platforms can drive the transition from a linear to a circular economy. It invites a broad range of submissions that connect technological innovation with business and social sciences, including:

 

  • Consumer Preferences and Business Models: How AI can analyse consumer data to predict preferences for sustainable products, helping businesses design more effective circular economy models. This could include studies on the psychology of second-hand consumption and the role of digital marketplaces.
  • Supply Chain and Operations: The use of AI for optimising resource allocation, waste management, and energy consumption across global supply chains. This could involve topics like intelligent logistics for reverse logistics and recycling.
  • Marketing and Brand Management: How companies can use digital platforms to market their sustainability initiatives, build brand loyalty around circularity, and communicate their ethical commitments to consumers.

3. Fostering Digital Inclusion and Social Equity through Technology

 

This track examines the intersection of technology, social justice, and multi-disciplinary approaches to bridge the digital divide and promote social equity. It welcomes submissions that explore:

 

  • Public Health and Education: The use of AI and digital platforms to improve access to healthcare and education for underserved communities. Topics could include AI-powered diagnostic tools for remote areas, e-learning platforms for marginalised groups, and the ethical use of data in public health.
  • Financial and Economic Empowerment: How Fintech and digital finance can enhance economic opportunities for all. This could include research on microfinance platforms, digital payment systems for the unbanked, and the role of technology in promoting financial literacy.
  • Sociology and Psychology: The social and psychological impacts of technology on different communities, including studies on digital literacy, privacy concerns, and the role of technology in fostering community resilience.

4. Ethical AI and Inclusive Governance for Sustainable Development

 

This sub-theme is dedicated to the governance and ethical dimensions of technology for sustainability. It is inherently multi-disciplinary, bringing together computer science, law, political science, and psychology to address critical questions about responsibility and fairness. Key topics could include:

 

  • Policy and Regulation: The development of policy frameworks for responsible AI development and deployment. This could include a focus on international cooperation, data governance, and accountability in AI-driven systems.
  • Psychology and Human Factors: The psychological biases inherent in AI design and how to mitigate them to ensure equitable outcomes. It could also explore public trust and acceptance of AI technologies in sensitive areas like social services.
  • Human-Centric Design: The importance of designing technologies that are not only efficient but also fair, transparent, and aligned with societal values. This could include studies on user experience, data privacy, and the role of citizens in shaping smart city initiatives.