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Walailak University brought together leading international experts to explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in sustainable development during a panel discussion titled “The 2030 Agenda: Leveraging AI for a Sustainable Future” at the Walailak Research Convention 2026 (WRC 2026).

Moderated by Associate Professor Dr. Pragasit Sitthitikul, Acting Dean of the School of Languages and General Education, the session featured distinguished panelists from Australia, Hong Kong, Thailand, and the United Kingdom. The discussion offered multidisciplinary perspectives on how AI can accelerate progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Setting the context, Associate Professor Dr. Pragasit highlighted that the 2030 Agenda serves as a global framework for addressing critical challenges, including climate change, inequality, and sustainable economic growth. He noted that the rapid advancement of AI is reshaping how societies operate, raising important questions about how technology can be leveraged to support sustainability and inclusive development.

Professor Dr. Andrew Macrae from Murdoch University shared insights into the application of AI in agriculture, emphasizing its role in improving soil health and advancing sustainable farming practices. Drawing on his expertise in soil microbiology, he explained that soil should be understood as a complex system shaped by biological, chemical, and environmental factors. 

He pointed out that AI enables researchers to analyze vast biological data, supporting a shift from chemically driven agriculture toward more ecosystem-based approaches. He also noted that AI is already being applied in precision agriculture and is contributing to more sustainable food production systems.



Addressing the healthcare sector, Professor Dr. Oluwarotimi Williams Samuel from the University of Derby discussed how AI-driven cyber-physical systems can enhance access to healthcare services, particularly in resource-constrained environments. He highlighted global challenges such as workforce shortages and limited access to rehabilitation services, especially in developing regions. 

He explained that integrating AI with technologies such as sensors can support remote monitoring, enable personalized treatment, and improve the efficiency of healthcare delivery. He also emphasized the importance of collaboration among academia, industry, and government, along with sustained investment, to ensure the successful implementation of these technologies.



From a business and consumer perspective, Professor Dr. Ricky Y. K. Chan from Hong Kong Polytechnic University examined how AI is influencing consumer behavior and shaping more sustainable market practices. He discussed the gap between consumers’ environmental awareness and their actual behavior, noting that AI can help bridge this gap by providing timely information and encouraging more sustainable decision-making. 

He further explained that AI enhances transparency in corporate practices, making it easier to identify inconsistencies in sustainability reporting and reducing the risk of greenwashing. In addition, he noted that AI can improve operational efficiency by optimizing supply chains and reducing waste, thereby strengthening the relationship between sustainability and business performance. However, he stressed that ethical decision-making ultimately depends on human values and responsibility.



Representing Walailak University, Associate Professor Dr. Warit Jawjit outlined the university’s commitment to sustainability and its integration into teaching, research, and campus operations. He highlighted that sustainability has been embedded in the university’s curriculum, with all students introduced to climate change and sustainability concepts from their first year. He also noted that the university aligns its academic programs and research initiatives with the SDGs and has set a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.

He further explained that AI is being applied across various aspects of the university’s operations, including curriculum development, carbon tracking, and healthcare innovation projects. At the same time, he cautioned that while AI offers significant benefits, it also presents challenges, particularly in terms of energy consumption, environmental impact, and potential inequalities in access to technology. He emphasized the need for responsible and ethical use of AI to ensure that it contributes positively to society and the environment.







News by Settaboot Onphakdee, Division of Corporate Communications