Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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December 2, 2025 Economic development
The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) could exacerbate inequality and destroy millions of jobs in developing economies, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) warns in a new report.
According to the authors, AI opens up enormous opportunities for development, but developed and developing countries have unequal starting points. Without sound public policy, this could lead to a new round of global inequality and even reverse decades of progress in gradually narrowing the gap between rich and poor countries.
Asia is at the epicenter of the global transition to AI
The Asia-Pacific region, home to 55 percent of the world's population, is becoming a key player in the field of artificial intelligence. More than half of AI users are concentrated here, and the number of innovative companies is rapidly growing. China, in particular, holds nearly 70 percent of the world's patents in this field.
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The use of AI could increase the region's annual GDP growth rate by about 2 percentage points and boost productivity by 5 percent in sectors such as healthcare and finance. Southeast Asian countries alone could add nearly $1 trillion to their combined GDP over the next 10 years.
Serious risks
As AI advances, millions of jobs could be at risk of disappearing, with women and young people particularly hard hit.
According to the report, the potential for automation in occupations traditionally dominated by women is almost twice as high as in other types of work. Young people aged 22–25 are already facing difficulties finding jobs, especially in the sectors where AI is most actively used.
AI and Citizen Well-Being
At the same time, in a number of countries, AI is helping governments work more efficiently and achieve significant results in improving living standards. For example, Singapore has reduced the time needed to process documents for new parents from two hours to 15 minutes. In Beijing, "digital copies" are being used for urban planning and flood control.
However, only a few countries have comprehensive laws regarding artificial intelligence. It is estimated that by 2027, more than 40 percent of AI-related violations will be related to abuse of generative technologiesGovernments must take these trends into account when developing laws.
Growing inequality
However, there is a significant gap between countries: Singapore, South Korea and China are actively investing in AI technologies and related training, while other countries in the region still need to provide their populations withbasic internet accessLimited infrastructure, skills, computing power, and management capacity limit the potential for AI adoption while simultaneously increasing risks.
According to UNDP Chief Economist Philippe Schellekens, countries that invest in training, technology, and regulation will reap significant benefits. The rest risk being left far behind.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.