The revolution of artificial intelligence (AI) will only widen the gap between high- and low-income countries unless cooperative international action is taken, warns a new report from the ILO and the Office of the Envoy of the Secretary-General of ONU for Technology.
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The report, titled "Mind the AI Divide: Shaping a Global Perspective on the Future of Work" discovered that AI is revolutionizing industries around the world, offering enormous opportunities for innovation and productivity. Nhowever, it is also exacerbating economic and social inequalities due to unequal rates of investment, adoption and use. This emerging “AI divide” means that high-income nations benefit disproportionately from AI advances, while low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Africa, lag behind.
The workplace is where AI can lead to productivity gains and improvements in working conditions. However, unequal access to infrastructure, technology, quality education and training can lead to unequal adoption of AI, which in turn deepensaria global inequalities.
High-income countries are well positioned to leverage AI for productivity gains, while developing countries may face obstacles due to a lack of digital infrastructure. This disparity could turn a temporary buffer against AI-driven change into a long-term barrier to economic prosperity.
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Global partnerships and proactive strategies to support developing nations, including access to digital infrastructure, upskilling and social dialogue, are necessary prerequisites to closing the technology gap and ensuring that the AI revolution does not leave significant portions of the world's population behind. .
Annually, more than $300 billion is spent globally on technology to increase computing capacity, but these investments are primarily focused on high-income nations, creating a disparity in access to infrastructure and skills development that puts developing countries and their startups at a severe disadvantage.
Furthermore, without domestic technology industries, workers in developing countries who have the skills will offer their services through freelance platforms, effectively powering companies in other countries, creating a virtual “brain drain.”
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The report also notes that women are most vulnerable to the effects of AI automation, particularly in office roles and business process outsourcing such as call centers, which are common in developing economies. However, research suggests that while automation poses a risk of job displacement, it also offers the potential to increase the quality and productivity of work.
The report proposed three policy pillars: strengthening international cooperation, building national capacity and addressing AI in the world of work. This includes:
- Improving Digital Infrastructure: Developing countries need a robust digital infrastructure to support AI adoption. This includes access to electricity, broadband and modern communications technologies.
- Promotion of Technology Transfer: High-income countries should help transfer AI technologies and knowledge to developing nations, promoting a collaborative environment for technological advancement.
- AI Skills Development: Investments in education and training are crucial to empowering the workforce with the necessary AI skills. This will enable workers to adapt and benefit from AI-driven changes.
- Encouraging Social Dialogue: Effectively integrating AI into workplaces requires social dialogue to ensure that technological advances respect workers' rights and improve the quality of jobs.
The “Mind the AI Divide” report also calls on policymakers, industry leaders and international organizations to work together to build an AI-powered future that is fair and inclusive.
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