New york: Millions of jobs across Asia may be at risk as the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in wealthier nations leaves poorer countries struggling to catch up, according to UN economists.
According to EMM, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) warns that like industrialization in the 19th century, the AI revolution has the potential to widen the gap between wealthy and impoverished nations. Philip Schellekens, Chief Economist for the UNDP for the Asia and Pacific region, emphasized that countries investing in skills, computing power, and governance systems are more likely to benefit, whereas others might fall behind.
The UNDP’s report reveals that women and young adults are most vulnerable to AI’s impact on the workplace, risking potential setbacks in health, education, and income. Despite the challenges, AI is projected to contribute nearly $1 trillion in economic gains across Asia over the next decade.
The UN agency highlights that while countries like China, Singapore, and South Korea have reaped significant benefits from AI investments, entry-level workers in several South Asian countries face exposure to changes like automation. Limited infrastructure and governance capacity in these regions amplify the risks, including job displacement and increased global energy and water demands from AI systems.
To mitigate a potential job crisis, the UNDP urges governments to consider the ethical implications of AI and promote inclusive implementation. Kanni Wignaraja, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, noted the rapid emergence of gaps between AI developers and those affected by its deployment.
For nations like Cambodia, Papua New Guinea, and Vietnam, the focus should be on utilizing simple voice-based tools for frontline health workers and farmers, even in the absence of internet access. The Asia-Pacific region, home to over 55 percent of the global population, is central to the AI transition.
According to the UNDP, the region hosts over half of global AI users, with China holding nearly 70 percent of global AI patents. Six countries in the region are home to over 3,100 newly funded AI companies. The UNDP report suggests that AI could boost annual GDP growth by around two percentage points and enhance productivity by up to five percent in sectors like health and finance.
The report also draws attention to the stark income disparity within the region, noting that Afghanistan’s average income is 200 times lower than that of Singapore. This disparity partly explains why AI adoption is concentrated among a few wealthy countries. Mr. Schellekens pointed out the region’s significant inequality, stating, “We’re not starting from a level playing field in this region.This is the most unequal region in the whole world.”
