AI Boom Could Widen Global Inequality, with Asia Most at Risk: UNDP

As the global artificial intelligence (AI) race accelerates, the technology could deepen existing inequalities between countries if left unmanaged, according to a new report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Louisa Tang reported for Channel News Asia (CNA).

UNDP warned that although many lower-income countries have gradually narrowed the gap with wealthier nations, AI threatens to erode those gains.

The divide is expected to be most pronounced in Asia, where countries vary widely in income levels, digital capacity, and governance, the report noted. UNDP, the UN’s lead agency on international development, said the region is home to more than half of the world’s AI users and is rapidly expanding its innovation footprint.

China, for example, now holds nearly 70% of the world’s AI patents.

Six Asian economies are also home to more than 3,100 newly funded AI companies. However, digital readiness across the region differs dramatically, UNDP said.

Countries such as Singapore, China, and South Korea are making heavy investments in AI infrastructure and skills, while others are focused on building basic digital access and literacy.

UNDP warned that although many lower-income countries have gradually narrowed the gap with wealthier nations, AI threatens to erode those gains. The report said these nations lack the infrastructure needed to benefit meaningfully from the technology.