Artificial intelligence may intensify economic and social divides between wealthy and poorer nations unless governments act quickly, according to a new United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report released on Tuesday.
The study cautions that AI could trigger a “new great divergence,” widening disparities in growth, workforce capabilities and governance systems across the global economy. Philip Schellekens, Chief Economist at UNDP’s Asia Pacific Regional Bureau, said the technology threatens to reverse decades of progress.
“AI is ushering in a new era of rising inequality between countries, after nearly fifty years of convergence,” Schellekens told reporters in Geneva.
The report, titled The Next Great Divergence: Why AI May Widen Inequality Between Countries, notes that global trade, innovation and development efforts have helped narrow gaps in income, health and education. However, the rapid adoption of AI could undermine those gains if poorer nations struggle to access technology, training and investment.
The UNDP also warned that the consequences could ricochet back to richer countries. Schellekens said that heightened inequality could fuel instability, including migration pressures and security challenges. “If inequality continues to rise, the spillover effects will become more daunting,” he said.
The report urges governments to implement policies to ensure inclusive access to AI, protect labour markets and support skills development, arguing that coordinated global action is essential to prevent widening divides.