The 2024 Human Development Report, released this week by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), paints a concerning picture of the global state of progress. For the fourth consecutive year, inequalities between wealthy and poor nations have widened, stalling what was once a steady climb in human development indicators. Yet, amid these challenges, the report also shines a light on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) — a technology that could significantly improve millions of lives if governed and applied thoughtfully.
A Sluggish Recovery After the Pandemic
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the trajectory of human development seemed largely positive. For decades, people around the world enjoyed increased freedoms, better access to healthcare, education, and higher standards of living. By 2030, researchers at the UN had projected that most of the world would achieve high levels of human development.
However, the pandemic disrupted these trends. In the years that followed, compounded by economic crises, global tensions, and structural inequalities, progress has not just slowed — it has stagnated. According to the UNDP, the COVID-19 shock triggered a global crisis whose effects are still deeply felt, and the pace of recovery has been uneven and sluggish.
Achim Steiner, Administrator of the UNDP, issued a sobering warning: “This slowdown signals a very real threat to global progress. If the sluggish growth of 2024 becomes the ‘new normal,’ the 2030 milestone could be delayed by decades, making our world less safe, more divided, and more vulnerable to economic and ecological crises.”
Inequality in the Age of AI
Despite the grim statistics, the report carries a message of cautious optimism. AI, it suggests, could become a powerful tool for addressing some of the world’s most pressing development challenges — if used wisely. AI technologies, many of them free or low-cost, are being rapidly adopted by individuals, companies, and governments alike.
The report proposes several recommendations to harness AI’s power in a way that is aligned with human-centered values. These include:
- Modernizing health and education systems to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world.
- Building an economy that encourages human-AI collaboration rather than competition.
- Placing people at the center of all stages of technological development — from design to deployment.
Pedro Conceição, director of the Human Development Report Office, emphasized that the choices made now will shape the long-term legacy of this technological transition. “With the right policies and a people-first focus, AI can be a bridge to new knowledge, skills, and ideas that empower everyone — from farmers to small business owners,” he said.
Examples of AI in Action Across Latin America
Latin America has begun exploring the benefits of AI with promising initiatives in several countries:
- Colombia is using AI to improve the efficiency of municipal public services. Data-driven systems are helping local governments allocate scarce resources more effectively.
- Mexico is developing the GenAI Lab, a collaboration between public, private, and academic institutions aimed at expanding access to AI and encouraging national innovation.
- Argentina is demonstrating how AI can be designed with inclusivity in mind. The country’s judicial system uses tools like SOFIA, a chatbot that supports women experiencing online abuse, offering a feminist approach to AI implementation.
These examples underscore that AI’s potential isn’t limited to economic efficiency — it can also foster justice, empowerment, and social inclusion when guided by clear human values.
Technology is Not Destiny
A central theme of the report is that technology does not determine outcomes on its own. AI is not a force of nature, but a human creation shaped by the societies that build and implement it. As such, it reflects existing social structures, including their inequalities and biases.
To avoid what the report calls “developmental disappointment,” the UNDP calls for stronger international cooperation on AI governance. Innovation must be aligned with public goals, and a renewed global commitment to dignity, equity, and sustainability is essential.
Regional Disparities: A Fragmented Global Landscape
The report also highlights deep regional differences in how countries are navigating the intersection of human development and AI. These disparities reflect historical, economic, and infrastructural gaps:
- Sub-Saharan Africa faces some of the steepest structural challenges. A lack of basic infrastructure, electricity, and internet connectivity hinders equitable access to AI and its benefits.
- East Asia, particularly China, is emerging as a global AI powerhouse. The region has made major strides in AI research, robotics, and data ecosystems. However, the report warns of low investments in AI safety and persistent gaps in talent retention and regulatory frameworks.
- Europe and Central Asia are experiencing rising political polarization and demographic aging. In these regions, AI is often seen more as a disruptive force to labor markets rather than a collaborative one.
- Latin America and the Caribbean struggle with inequality, slow educational progress, and digital disparities. While youth internet usage is relatively high compared to other developing regions, infrastructure shortcomings continue to limit equitable access.
- Arab States, particularly in the Gulf, are investing ambitiously in digital and AI development. However, the report notes slow post-pandemic recovery, persistent gender-based digital divides, and a concentration of AI investments in high-income nations, raising concerns about widespread accessibility.
The Road Ahead: Choosing Our Future
The 2024 Human Development Report urges the world not to fall under the illusion of technological inevitability. While AI has the potential to revolutionize industries and societies, it can just as easily reinforce inequality if left unchecked.
The key takeaway is this: AI’s impact depends entirely on the decisions we make now — about governance, ethics, access, and purpose. As nations race toward 2030 and beyond, bridging the human development gap will require more than technological advancement. It will demand inclusive policies, global cooperation, and above all, a renewed commitment to placing human dignity at the core of progress.
If properly guided, AI can become not just a tool of productivity, but a driver of equity — helping humanity not only catch up on lost development, but leap forward into a future that is fairer, safer, and more sustainable for all.