The AI Divide: A Looming Threat to Global Equality
In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly advancing, a new report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) reveals a concerning trend: the potential for AI to widen the development gap between nations. This issue is not just theoretical; it's a real and present danger that could undermine decades of progress in narrowing global inequalities.
The report, titled "The Next Great Divergence: Why AI May Widen Inequality Between Countries," paints a picture of a world where AI's benefits are not evenly distributed, leading to a new era of divergence. But here's where it gets controversial: the starting point for countries is vastly different, and without careful management, this could exacerbate existing inequalities.
Let's take a closer look at the Asia and Pacific region, home to over 55% of the world's population. This region is at the forefront of the AI transition, with more than half of global AI users and a rapidly expanding innovation footprint. China, for instance, now holds nearly 70% of global AI patents, and over 3,100 new AI companies have sprung up across six economies. The potential for AI to boost economic growth and productivity is immense, with ASEAN economies alone expected to see nearly $1 trillion in additional GDP over the next decade.
However, this rapid advancement comes with a catch. Millions of jobs, particularly those held by women and young people, are at risk of automation. If ethical and inclusive governance principles are not prioritized, we could see a situation where the benefits of AI are enjoyed by a select few, while the majority are left behind.
"AI is moving fast, but many countries are still catching up," says Kanni Wignaraja, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific. "The Asia-Pacific experience shows us how quickly the gap can widen between those who shape AI and those who are shaped by it."
For the past half-century, lower-income countries have been gradually narrowing the gap with higher-income nations through technological advancements, trade, and development. This "era of convergence" brought about significant improvements in health, education, and income. But the report warns that AI could reverse these gains if not carefully managed.
Digital readiness varies significantly across the region. While countries like Singapore, South Korea, and China are making substantial investments in AI infrastructure and skills, others are still struggling to provide basic digital access and literacy. Building these digital capabilities is crucial to ensuring that all countries can benefit from AI's opportunities.
The potential risks are significant. Limited infrastructure, skills, computing power, and governance capacity can constrain AI's benefits and amplify its risks. These include job displacement, data exclusion, and indirect impacts like increased global energy and water demands from AI-intensive systems.
Women and young people are particularly vulnerable. Jobs held by women are nearly twice as exposed to automation, and youth employment is already declining in high-AI-exposure roles, especially for those aged 22-25. In South Asia, women are up to 40% less likely than men to own a smartphone, and rural and indigenous communities often remain underrepresented in the datasets used to train AI systems, increasing the risk of algorithmic bias and exclusion from essential services.
Despite these challenges, AI is also transforming governance and public services. Bangkok's Traffy Fondue platform has processed nearly 600,000 citizen reports, enabling more efficient responses to everyday problems. Singapore's Moments of Life service has reduced paperwork for new parents from 120 minutes to just 15. In Beijing, digital twins are supporting urban planning and flood management.
Yet, only a limited number of countries have comprehensive AI regulations. By 2027, more than 40% of global AI-related data breaches may stem from the misuse of generative AI, highlighting the urgent need for robust governance frameworks. This is a critical area where many countries, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, need to catch up.
"The key to success in the AI era is capability," says Philip Schellekens, UNDP Chief Economist for Asia and the Pacific. "Countries that invest in skills, computing power, and sound governance systems will thrive, while others risk being left far behind."
This report is a call to action, a roadmap to turn this potential risk into a path for shared progress. It's time to ensure that AI benefits all, not just a select few.
