A new United Nations Development Program (UNDP) report warns that artificial intelligence, despite its promise, could intensify global inequality unless deliberate steps are taken to ensure broad, inclusive access to its benefits.
Released Tuesday, the report highlights that wealthier nations are positioned to gain the most from AI, echoing patterns reminiscent of the “Great Divergence” during the industrial revolution, when Western countries surged ahead while others lagged behind.
While much global attention centers on AI’s potential to boost productivity and economic growth, the report stresses that its real impact will be felt in people’s daily lives.
Many communities; those lacking reliable electricity, internet access, digital skills, or living through conflict and climate disasters, risk being excluded from AI-driven progress. These populations are also frequently “invisible” in datasets used to power AI systems.
“We need to ensure it’s not technology first, but people first,” said Michael Muthukrishna of London School of Economics, the report’s lead author, speaking during its launch in Bangkok.
The report notes that AI can improve farming practices, deliver rapid medical analysis, strengthen disaster response and support more transparent public decision-making—particularly valuable for rural and vulnerable regions.
However, it also warns of challenges even in advanced economies, where expanding data centers could strain electricity and water resources and hinder climate goals.
Ethical and security risks also loom large: AI can be misused for cyberattacks, deepfakes, and intrusive surveillance and opaque algorithms may reinforce discrimination against marginalized groups.
Across Asia, countries like China, Japan, South Korea and Singapore are well-positioned to benefit from AI, while others; such as Afghanistan, the Maldives and Myanmar, struggle with limited connectivity, skills shortages and inadequate power infrastructure. Around one-quarter of the Asia-Pacific population still lacks internet access.
Philip Schellekens, UNDP’s chief economist for Asia-Pacific, warned that without urgent efforts to close these gaps, millions could be locked out of the digital economy and fall further behind.
The report calls for stronger regulation, greater transparency, and substantial investment in digital infrastructure, education, skills, competition, and social protections.
“The goal is to democratize access to AI so every country and community can benefit, while protecting those most at risk,” it says, urging a balanced approach free from excessive hype or alarmism.
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