AI's Uneven Impact: A Growing Concern for Global Equality

The United Nations has raised concerns about a potential widening gap between rich and poor countries due to advancements in artificial intelligence. This issue is not just about technology but also about how it affects people's skills and the way countries are governed. For the past 50 years, the world has seen a trend where gaps between countries were closing. This was thanks to improvements in trade, technology, and development. These changes brought better income, health, and education to many. However, the UN warns that AI could reverse this progress. Philip Schellekens, a key economist at the UN, points out that AI might create a new era of inequality. He explains that while AI can bring benefits, it could also leave poorer countries behind. This could lead to bigger problems, like increased migration and security issues. The UN's report suggests that without proper policies, AI could make the rich even richer and the poor even poorer. This would not only affect the poorer countries but also the wealthier ones, as they would face more challenges due to the growing divide. The report calls for action to prevent this scenario. It emphasizes the need for policies that ensure AI benefits everyone, not just a few. The goal is to make sure that AI does not become a tool for widening the gap but rather a force for global equality.