AI could accentuate inequalities between countries. UNCTAD notes that economic and technological advantages are concentrated in the hands of a small number of nations and businesses. For example, 40 % of global research and development spending comes from a hundred companies, located mainly in the United States and China. This concentration of investments and technological advances could leave other countries in the way.
This situation is likely to generate a technological gap. The most advanced countries in terms of AI benefit from productivity and innovation gains, while developing countries are struggling to keep pace. Some large technological companies display a market value comparable to the GDP of whole continents like Africa, which strengthens the concentration of wealth. The countries of the South could become even more dependent on the technological powers.
A large number of developing countries are kept away from international discussions on AI management. The UNCTAD report reveals that 118 nations do not participate in world negotiations on this technology. This exclusion limits their access to infrastructure, ethical rules and resources necessary for fair adoption. “” AI can be a catalyst for progress, but only if countries actively shape its trajectory “, Specifies the report. International collaboration is therefore essential for AI profits to be shared fairly. “” It harms vulnerable and poor people “Said Rebeca Grynspan, secretary general of the UNCTAD. “” Trade should not become a new source of instability. It must serve global development and growth She continues.
UNCTAD offers different avenues for action: creation of shared infrastructure, use of open source models and implementation of transparency mechanisms. These measures would reduce current imbalances and facilitate the integration of developing countries in this technological revolution. The implementation of rules on a global scale could offer an inclusive discussion space and promote the exchange of good practices between countries.
UNCTAD also calls on decision -makers to reconsider the customs tariffs imposed on vulnerable countries, as these measures could inflict great suffering on millions of people. It is therefore essential to find a balance between promoting technological progress and the protection of the most fragile populations. Inclusive growth is synonymous with stability and shared prosperity.
The least advanced countries and the small island development states – responsible for only 1.6 % and 0.4 % of the deficit – are affected, are affected by protectionist measures. They will not help rebalance the trade deficit or generate significant recipes, but will be more weakened by these decisions, as the UNCTED report points out.
“” The time is for cooperation, not climbing », Insists Rebeca Grynspan. “” Global trade rules must evolve to take into account current challenges, but they must do so by placing predictability and development at the heart of their concerns, in order to protect the most vulnerable “, She concludes.
