AI’s $4.8Tn future may impact 40% of jobs worldwide, UN warns
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND — Artificial intelligence (AI) could affect 40% of jobs globally, according to a new report from the United Nations Trade and Development (UNTD).
While AI-driven automation promises productivity gains, it also raises concerns about job displacement and widening inequality. The report highlights that automation often benefits capital over labor, potentially reducing the competitive edge of low-cost labor in developing economies.
However, AI is not solely a threat to employment. “Investing in reskilling, upskilling and workforce adaptation is essential to ensure AI enhances employment opportunities rather than eliminating them,” the report stated. The UNTD emphasized the need for proactive policies to ensure AI creates new industries and empowers workers.
Unequal access to AI benefits
The economic potential of AI is projected to reach $4.8 trillion in market value by 2033—equivalent to the size of Germany’s economy.
Despite this, access to AI infrastructure and expertise remains concentrated in a few economies. Just 100 firms, primarily in the United States and China, account for 40% of global corporate research and development spending.
This concentration risks leaving many developing nations behind. UNTD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan stressed the importance of inclusivity, stating that international cooperation must “shift the focus from technology to people” to ensure equitable benefits.
Call for inclusive governance
The report also revealed that 118 countries, mostly in the Global South, are absent from major discussions on AI governance. This exclusion undermines efforts to create global frameworks that prioritize equity and shared prosperity. UNTD advocates for stronger international cooperation to address these divides.
Key policy recommendations include establishing shared AI infrastructure, promoting open innovation through open-source models, and building capacity through knowledge-sharing initiatives like South-South cooperation.
“Similar to the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) framework, an AI equivalent public disclosure mechanism can improve accountability, translating global commitments into impactful outcomes,” the report noted.
The path forward
The UNTD urges countries to act now by investing in digital infrastructure, strengthening capabilities, and fostering inclusive governance.
Strategic investments in data, skills, and innovation are essential for harnessing AI’s potential while mitigating risks.
AI’s transformative power offers opportunities for global growth—but only if nations work together to bridge divides and share its benefits equitably.
