Machine Learning Driven Aid Classification for Sustainable Development

Machine Learning Driven Aid Classification for Sustainable Development

Junho Lee, Hyeonho Song, Dongjoon Lee, Sundong Kim, Jisoo Sim, Meeyoung Cha, Kyung-Ryul Park

Proceedings of the Thirty-Second International Joint Conference on Artificial Intelligence
AI for Good. Pages 6040-6048. https://doi.org/10.24963/ijcai.2023/670

This paper explores how machine learning can help classify aid activities by sector using the OECD Creditor Reporting System (CRS). The CRS is a key source of data for monitoring and evaluating aid flows in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG17 which calls for global partnership and data sharing. To address the challenges of current labor-intensive practices of assigning the code and the related human inefficiencies, we propose a machine learning solution that uses ELECTRA to suggest relevant five-digit purpose codes in CRS for aid activities, achieving an accuracy of 0.9575 for the top-3 recommendations. We also conduct qualitative research based on semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with SDG experts who assess the model results and provide feedback. We discuss the policy, practical, and methodological implications of our work and highlight the potential of AI applications to improve routine tasks in the public sector and foster partnerships for achieving the SDGs.
Keywords:
AI for Good: Humans and AI
AI for Good: Multidisciplinary Topics and Applications
AI for Good: Machine Learning