UN report warns that AI may widen the gap between wealthy and impoverished countries

GENEVA, Dec 2 (Reuters) Artificial Intelligence may deepen the divide between wealthy and poorer nations, according to a United Nations report released Tuesday, urging governments to adopt policies to mitigate its effects.

The study, published by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), highlights the risk of a significant divergence in economic growth, workforce skills, and governance frameworks between countries.

We believe AI is ushering in a new phase of increasing inequality among nations, reversing decades of gradual convergence over the past 50 years, stated Philip Schellekens, Chief Economist of the UNDP Asia Pacific Regional Bureau, during a press conference in Geneva.

The UNDP report, 'The Next Great Divergence: Why AI May Widen Inequality Between Countries', notes that global trade, technology, and development initiatives have historically reduced disparities, improving income levels, healthcare, and education. However, these achievements are now at risk of being undermined by AI advancements.

Schellekens warned that even affluent countries could face negative consequences if AI leaves poorer nations behind. If inequality continues to expand, the resulting challengessuch as security concerns and undocumented migrationwill become increasingly serious, he said.

Author: Sophia Brooks