Integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Generative AI to Enhance Language Digital Literacy and Creativity in EFL Learning Environments

This study investigates the integration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and generative AI, specifically ChatGPT, to enhance language digital literacy, creativity, and motivation in EFL learning environments. Adopting a quantitative, cross-sectional design, the data for this study were collected from n = 420 undergraduate EFL students at one public sector university in China, using validated scales to measure SDG integration (SDG), Use Generative AI like ChatGPT (UCGPT), digital literacy (DL) EFL Students' creativity (SC), EFL Students' motivation (SM) and language learning engagement (LLE). Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to analyze direct, mediating, and moderating effects. Findings revealed that SDG integration and UCGPT were significantly associated with SM, which in turn predicted digital literacy and EFL students' creativity. Moreover, LLE moderated the relationship between DL and SC, while SM mediated the effects of SDG integration and UCGPT on digital literacy. These results highlight the transformative potential of integrating SDGs and AI tools in EFL education, providing scalable strategies to develop 21st-century skills. Additionally, the study provides concrete strategies for EFL teachers, such as tasking students with using ChatGPT to prepare for debates on SDG topics, like climate justice, or to co-create multilingual social media campaigns for sustainability awareness. These applications demonstrate how to operationalize SDG-AI integration in everyday lesson planning.