The conceptual and practical aspects of achieving the stated sustainable development goals require a thorough exploration of how AI impacts both the qualitative and quantitative outcomes of its application, as well as the potential risks and consequences of implementing digitally integrated decision-making systems. AI technologies serve as a powerful catalyst for the emergence of new growth models, ones that are not linear but sustainable, not just efficient, but ethically grounded, not merely automated, but deeply embedded in the human and social context. To this end, the authors do not view AI as a neutral technology. Rather, they argue that it embodies a philosophy of development that can either exacerbate structural imbalances or serve as a foundation for a more inclusive, just, and sustainable world. This is particularly relevant for countries undergoing simultaneous digital modernization, striving for technological sovereignty, and facing the need for systemic restructuring of governance systems. The proposed approach positions AI as a digital instrument that, when properly aligned with institutional, ethical, and governance frameworks, can become the cornerstone of a new social contract based on trust, transparency, sustainability, and human-centric values. The practical relevance of this approach is supported by examples from Russian and international contexts, policy recommendations, and conclusions drawn from years of experience in transnational IT projects and participation in the development of ESG strategies and digital governance frameworks.