A new UN Development Program report warns that most benefits from artificial intelligence are likely to go to wealthy nations unless steps are taken to ensure equitable access to technology, education, and infrastructure.

AI has the potential to improve healthcare, agriculture, disaster response, and public services, but marginalized communities risk being left behind due to lack of connectivity, skills, or visibility in data.

Even in advanced economies, AI raises ethical, privacy, cybersecurity, and environmental concerns, including energy consumption, carbon emissions, deepfakes, and biased “black box” systems.

The report highlights that Asian nations like China, Japan, and Singapore are well positioned to harness AI, while countries like Afghanistan, the Maldives, and Myanmar face significant barriers, the AP has reported.

It urges governments to invest in digital infrastructure, training, fair competition, and social protections to democratize AI and protect vulnerable populations from disruption.