Abstract: Sustainable development has become a global imperative in the 21st century as societies grapple with environmental, social, and economic challenges. Machine learning (ML), a subset of artificial intelligence (AI), has emerged as a powerful tool to address these complex issues. Accordingly, this chapter explores the intersection of sustainable development and innovation, delving into the transformative potential of innovative solutions, particularly within the context of AI-powered techniques. Moreover, it examines how innovation, guided by sustainability principles, can be harnessed to address complex global challenges and help us progress towards a world where Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are not just aspirations but achievements. Furthermore, it explores how ML contributes to sustainable development across various domains, challenges encountered, and future directions.