UNDP Warns AI Advancements Could Widen Global Inequalities Without Strong Safeguards

A new report from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has urged governments to act swiftly to prevent global disparities from widening as artificial intelligence reshapes economies and public services. The study, released on Tuesday, cautions that nations already struggling with access to electricity, digital infrastructure and basic services risk being left even further behind unless targeted support is introduced.

The UNDP compared the current moment to the “Great Divergence” of the industrial revolution, when rapid modernization in Western nations created long-lasting global imbalances. The report argues that a similar pattern could emerge today, with the most advanced economies positioned to gain the strongest benefits from new technologies while others face deepening exclusion.

Michael Muthukrishna of the London School of Economics, the lead author, said the focus should be on people rather than tools. Speaking at the report’s launch in Bangkok, he stressed that the impact on human lives must remain central to policy debates, particularly for communities already dealing with conflict, displacement, poverty or limited connectivity.

The report highlights concerns that many vulnerable populations remain “invisible” in data sets used to train modern systems, increasing the risk that decisions based on such data will overlook their needs. It also notes that nearly one-quarter of people in the Asia-Pacific region do not have access to the internet, limiting their ability to participate in emerging digital economies.

Despite the challenges, the report outlines significant potential benefits. Faster medical assessments, improved weather forecasting, stronger disaster response systems and enhanced agricultural guidance could support rural communities and regions prone to natural hazards. Such applications, the authors say, could improve public services and strengthen development efforts if deployed responsibly.

The study also flags mounting environmental and infrastructure concerns. In countries with extensive digital operations, questions have been raised over the rising electricity and water demand of large data facilities. Expanding power supplies to meet future needs could undercut commitments to reduce carbon emissions and pose additional health risks.

Other risks identified include privacy breaches, cybersecurity threats and the growing spread of fabricated images and recordings. Researchers have found that malicious actors are already adapting modern tools to assist in cyberattacks, increasing pressure on governments to strengthen defenses and set clear regulatory standards.

The report notes that countries such as China, Japan, South Korea and Singapore are better positioned to benefit from technological growth. In contrast, places like Afghanistan, Myanmar and the Maldives face hurdles due to limited skills, unreliable power systems and weak infrastructure.

Philip Schellekens, the UNDP’s chief economist for the Asia-Pacific, said governments must expand digital infrastructure, improve education and create strong protections for those at risk of job disruption. He called for balanced debate, stressing the need to avoid panic while acknowledging the scale of the challenge.

The report concludes that widening access to digital tools and strengthening oversight will be essential to ensure communities across the world share in the opportunities ahead.