Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the global landscape of sustainable development, influencing economic, social, and environmental dimensions. While AI offers transformative potential in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it also introduces ethical challenges, digital divides, and governance complexities. This chapter establishes a comprehensive framework for understanding AI’s role in sustainable development, integrating technological, political economy, and ethical perspectives to set the stage for subsequent discussions on implementation, risks, and opportunities.