Artificial Intelligence (AI) is on course to become a $4.8 trillion global market by 2033, according to the Technology and Innovation Report 2025 by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
The report highlighted the growing inequality in the AI landscape and how companies are not responding effectively to the threat; most will not be prepared to capitalize on AI’s potential.
The data showed that only 100 companies are responsible for 40% of the world’s private investment in research and development, with the majority based in the US and China. On the other hand, 118 countries (mainly from the Global South, which includes the Philippines) are missing from global AI governance discussions.
Due to the gap in harnessing AI’s potential, an estimated 40% of global jobs could be affected.
- Shopping app used Filipino call center agents as “AI”
- 46% of Filipino professionals use Generative AI — Jobstreet
As they have always been, new technologies bring new opportunities while eliminating others, whether machine automation, personal computers, the Internet, or smartphones. Similarly, we can expect that existing jobs will become obsolete, and their workers will be displaced, particularly in developing countries where their main selling point is cheap labor.
While there is always this concern, UNCTAD experts said that AI will not simply replace people in their jobs but will create new industries and empower workers.
To maximize the next iteration of the industrial revolution, governments must invest in reskilling, upskilling, and workforce adaptation to ensure the continuous employability of workers rather than eliminating them.
UNCTAD also indicated that in order to avoid being left behind, developing countries must strengthen their infrastructure, data, and skills, which include fast and reliable Internet connections, as well as high computing power. High-quality datasets are also essential for training AI systems.
Another crucial step is to ensure that education systems equip people with the digital and problem-solving skills necessary for an AI-driven world.
“History has shown that while technological progress drives economic growth, it does not on its own ensure equitable income distribution or promote inclusive human development,” said UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan
It has been previously stated that only 22% of organizations are ready for AI, according to a Cisco study.