Research centre established by:

KTH, Stockholm University and RISE
People are mingling and chatting around tall tables at an indoor holiday gathering, with a decorated Christmas tree in the background and festive lights adding to the atmosphere.

Digital Futures faculty workshop on how AI can support sustainable development

A Digital Futures faculty workshop was held on 24 November at the Courtyard by Marriott on Kungsholmen. Some 60 faculty members had gathered to learn, discuss and share knowledge. They were welcomed by David Broman – Associate Director Faculty, that together with Sissi Rizko – Program Manager, had organized the workshop. Then followed a presentation of the latest news within the centre by Karl H Johansson, Director of Digital Futures.

A man in a suit smiles while standing in front of a decorated Christmas tree with red and gold baubles in a festive indoor setting. Another person stands in the background.
David Broman, Associate Director Faculty Digital Futures

Digital Futures working groups (Smart Society, Digitalized Industry, Rich and Healthy Life, Educational Transformation, Trust, Collaborate and Learn) then entered the stage for pitch presentations on their activities.

Two people stand on a stage presenting a slide titled Working Group Pitches with categories listed. One category, Smart Society, is highlighted. Audience members are seated in front of the stage in a dimly lit room.
Working group Smart Society presented by Mattias Höjer

The workshop also included panel discussions focussing on the climate crisis unfolding around us and that looking for ways to handle this is becoming urgent. AI is rapidly developing, changing what is possible to analyze and how things can be done in all parts of society.

During the session, the audience got to hear about how AI can support Sustainable Development Goal 13, Climate action and how AI can be used to leverage complex satellite images for monitoring wildfires and urbanization and analyzing their environmental impact to support sustainable development.

Three panellists sit on stage in front of a blue screen displaying the discussion topic on digital transformation risks and challenges. Audience members are seated at round tables, listening to the speakers.
Left to right: Mattias Höjer, Yifang Ban and Ricardo Vinuesa

The first panel raised the question ‘AI – what are the risks and opportunities for climate change mitigation?‘ with Associate Professor Ricardo Vinuesa and Professor Yifang Ban, both at KTH Royal Institute of Technology.

A panel of five people sits on a stage, with one man standing and speaking at a lectern. Behind them is a large screen displaying the panel topic and participants' names at a conference. Audience members are seated in front.
Left to right: David Broman, Björn Fägersten, Mads Dam, Malena Britz and Stefan Axelsson

The second panel discussed ‘Digital transformations – what are the risks and challenges in an uncertain world?‘ Panellists were Malena Britz – Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of Research at Swedish Defense University, Björn Fägersten – Senior researcher at Politics and Swedish Institute of International Affairs, Mads Dam – Professor KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Stefan Axelsson – Professor at Stockholm University.

Afterwards, participants enjoyed networking, refreshments, and some good food in the Christmas decorated mingle area.

People are mingling and chatting around tall tables at an indoor holiday gathering, with a decorated Christmas tree in the background and festive lights adding to the atmosphere.

Two people stand talking at an indoor event with name badges, one holding a cup. Behind them is a decorated Christmas tree, a table with a white cloth, and a staircase. The setting appears to be a formal or corporate gathering.
Digital Futures Program Manager Sissi Rizko and Professor Richard Harper, Digital Futures Scholar in residence

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