Artificial intelligence (AI) is a technology with vast potential but also significant risks, according to the UNDP Regional Human Development Report (RHDR) titled “The Great Divergence.” The report emphasizes that many developing countries in the region may fall behind in the AI race due to their limited capabilities, potentially missing out on the benefits of AI while struggling to manage its disruptive effects. The emergence of AI comes at a time of widening socioeconomic gaps, raising concerns about its impact on inequality.
Drawing parallels to historical technological revolutions like steam power and electricity, the report questions whether AI will follow a similar pattern of initially exacerbating inequality before spreading its benefits more widely. However, the current landscape is different, with inequality already on the rise, further complicated by the changing dynamics between GDP growth and job creation. The report highlights the stark wealth disparities, where the top one percent accumulated a significant share of global wealth compared to the bottom 50 percent.
To address these challenges, the RHDR emphasizes the importance of integrating equity into policymaking. It stresses the need for AI to serve people and enhance human capabilities, aligning with the principles of human development. However, true equity cannot be achieved without addressing existing deficits in human, institutional, and financial resources. The report warns that AI has the potential to amplify disparities in human development, likening its transformative impact to historical innovations like the steam engine and electricity.
The Asia-Pacific region, with its diverse mix of economies, will serve as a testing ground for AI-led development, determining whether countries will converge or drift further apart in their development outcomes. Countries like Bangladesh are striving to transition from labor-intensive industries to high-value production, aiming for a more competitive economy with a robust social safety net and accountable public administration. AI is seen as a key player in this transformation.
For Bangladesh, a proactive AI agenda should prioritize meeting the needs of its population. Bridging the digital divide, especially among rural areas, different income groups, and genders, is essential. Women, in particular, face barriers to accessing AI benefits due to lower smartphone ownership and internet usage rates. The report underscores the importance of rethinking education and training systems to prepare for the evolving job market shaped by AI.
Transparency is crucial in the deployment of AI in public services to maintain public trust. Clear explanations of AI-assisted services, openness to scrutiny, and mechanisms to address errors and biases are vital. Countries like Canada have set guidelines for AI usage to uphold trust and accountability. Bangladesh, as a significant player in the region’s economic growth, is urged to champion responsible AI practices while advocating for standards that prioritize human-centered AI development.
As the Asia-Pacific region drives global economic growth, Bangladesh, with its youthful population, is positioned to influence the responsible adoption of AI for prosperity. The country has already taken steps to assess its AI readiness, laying the groundwork for a strategic AI roadmap in the future. By promoting ethical AI practices and collective safeguards, Bangladesh can contribute to shaping a sustainable AI ecosystem that benefits society at large.