A senior United Nations official has warned that the global rollout of artificial intelligence could deepen economic and social inequalities, with wealthier nations and large corporations positioned to capture a disproportionate share of the benefits.
The official cautioned that without deliberate policy responses, AI-driven gains in productivity, wealth and technological capability may be unevenly distributed. This could leave lower-income countries and vulnerable communities further behind, aggravating existing development challenges and social divides.
Experts and policymakers point to several pathways through which AI could widen gaps: unequal access to computing power and data, disparities in investment and talent, and the concentration of market power among a small number of global tech firms. Those dynamics, the official said, could translate into unequal opportunities for employment, education and economic participation.
The warning highlights a growing debate over how to govern the technology. International coordination, targeted investment in capacity-building, and policies to promote equitable access to tools and training are cited by analysts as potential responses to mitigate the risks. The official’s remarks underscore the urgency of designing frameworks that ensure AI’s benefits are broadly shared rather than narrowly captured.
Governments, multilateral organisations and the private sector continue to discuss regulatory approaches, standards and cooperative measures to manage AI’s impacts. The UN official’s statement adds to mounting calls for measured action to steer the development and deployment of AI in ways that support inclusive growth and reduce rather than deepen global inequalities.