CIGOH at the UNGA79: Prosocial AI as a Catalyst of Holistic Health for All

A perspective contributed by Dr. Cornelia C. Walther, Senior Fellow, CIGOH

As the world reimagines the future of health in an era of rapid technological advancements, the Center for Integrative Global Oral Health (CIGOH) is integrating Prosocial AI into its workflow. Recently, CIGOH participated in a session titled “Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a Social Determinant and Catalyst of Holistic Health” at the Science Summit of the 79th United Nations General Assembly.

Organized by Dr. Cornelia C. Walther, Senior Fellow at CIGOH, this session focused on how Prosocial AI could revolutionize not only health systems but also our collective approach to well-being by promoting positive social behaviors, fostering collaboration, and supporting ethical decision-making. Speakers included Dr. Julian Fisher, Director of Oral and Planetary Health Policies at CIGOH; Tan Sri Dr. Jemilah Mahmood, Executive Director, Center for Planetary Health, Sunway University; Prof Kartik Hosanagar, Wharton Professor and co-founder of Yodl, University of Pennsylvania; and Dr. Pawel Swieboda, Founder of NeuroCentury.

The Context: A Holistic Vision for Health and Planetary Balance
As the global community looks toward the next generation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it is increasingly clear that health systems need a comprehensive transformation. Transitioning from a disease-centric model to a salutogenic approach that focuses on factors supporting human health and well-being provides the roadmap for such a shift. In this context, AI plays a pivotal role in supporting this transformation. “The emergence of AI is the beginning of another revolution, and we must ensure it serves both people and the planet in harmony,” said Mahmood.

The current conceptualization of health fails to account for the interdependence of physical, mental, and environmental well-being. This limited perspective overlooks critical factors such as brain health, oral hygiene, mental health, and sustainability, all interconnected and vital for lasting planetary balance. For instance, non-communicable diseases (NCDs)—including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, respiratory illnesses, and oral diseases—account for 71% of global deaths, amounting to over 41 million annually, while significantly diminishing quality of life. Oral diseases, despite their impact on global health, have historically received limited public attention and international funding. A similar story of neglect can be told about the brain, and yet, as stressed by Swieboda, “Brain health is a lifelong concern, and AI will be a pivotal enabler in prevention, enhancing both cognitive well-being and brain skills.”

To achieve sustainable well-being, we must adopt a holistic approach that considers the mutual influence between human health and planetary health. Oral health, often overlooked, must be part of this strategy. The integration of oral health into broader health systems provides a crucial entry point for addressing health inequities, and Prosocial AI can be the vehicle to drive this change.

The Message: Prosocial AI as a Driver of Health and Well-Being
AI should no longer be viewed merely as a commercial tool but as a force for social good that can enhance human well-being. “We must challenge the current drivers of AI to adopt a new framework—one that is systematically designed to promote equity, sustainability, and human-centered innovation,” said Fisher.

AI’s orientation determines its impact. When framed as a social determinant of health, AI can revolutionize health systems and how we interact with the planet. Prosocial AI—designed with a human-centered, ethical focus—could catalyze the shift toward holistic health for all, where both individuals and communities thrive. “Prosocial AI is tailored, trained, tested, and targeted to bring out the best in both people and the planet. It can expand access to oral health services and empower individuals to take agency in managing their health,” said Walther, highlighting the transformative potential of Prosocial AI.

The Background: Framing AI as a Social Determinant of Health
At the core of this new health paradigm is Prosocial AI, which can be framed as a social determinant of health. AI must go beyond being a commercial tool and instead serve as a catalyst for well-being. By designing AI with an intention to foster Agency-Activation, it can empower individuals to manage their health proactively, aligned with their values and preferences.

This holistic perspective recognizes the complex interplay between individual choices, community well-being, and environmental sustainability. It also encourages transdisciplinary collaboration, blending traditionally overlooked domains like oral health, mental well-being, and technological innovation to create a more inclusive, sustainable future.

The Perspective: The Promise of a Prosocial AI Future
CIGOH is positioning itself as a driving force in this movement, reimagining how AI can be harnessed to support social good, while advancing oral health and planetary health for all. The Prosocial AI framework—tailored to foster positive social behaviors and collaborative decision-making—has the potential to catalyze a paradigm shift toward comprehensive well-being, positioning health as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of sustainable development.