UN Agency Warns AI Could Disrupt 40% of Global Jobs Within the Next Decade
Global Unemployment: The AI Revolution
UN Study Finds 40% of Worldwide Jobs at Risk
The United Nations released a comprehensive report indicating that nearly forty percent of all global occupations may experience significant transformation over the next ten years.
Key Takeaways
- AI systems are automating repeatable tasks across diverse sectors.
- Industries such as manufacturing, transportation, and customer service are likely to see the most substantial changes.
- 12% of jobs could disappear entirely, while 25% may evolve into new roles requiring advanced digital skill sets.
- Highly skilled professionals and those in creative disciplines remain in demand.
- Governments and businesses must invest in reskilling programs to mitigate economic disruption.
Implications for the workforce: The report urges policymakers to prioritize education and training initiatives, ensuring that workers can adapt to a rapidly changing job market shaped by AI.
Global Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Workforce
Key Findings from the UNCTAD Report
The United Nations Department of Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has released a new analysis suggesting that AI could affect up to 40% of jobs worldwide. While this technological shift has the potential to boost overall productivity, it also carries a risk of significant job displacement.
Four Primary Ways AI Influences Employment
- Replacement of Human Tasks – Certain roles may be fully automated, leading to job loss.
- Complementary Support – AI can augment human work, creating more efficient workflows without eliminating jobs.
- Deepening Automation – Existing processes may become fully automated, further impacting employment.
- Emergence of New Opportunities – Demand for specialists in AI research, development, and maintenance could rise.
Capital‑Driven Dynamics
UNCTAD’s analysis notes that many leading AI firms tend to prioritize capital over labor, potentially diminishing the competitive edge of low‑cost labor in developing economies.
Expert Commentary
Rebeca Grynspan, UNCTAD’s Secretary‑General, emphasized the need for “greater international cooperation” and a shift in focus “from technology to people” to mitigate these risks.
See Also
Discover the five new roles that AI is creating across Europe.
100 companies account for half the world’s AI investment
Projected AI Market Growth vs. Rising Concentration of Power
The latest 2025 Technology and Innovation Report by UNCTAD predicts that artificial intelligence will reach a market value of $4.8 trillion (≈ €4.38 trillion) by 2033. However, the findings reveal a stark imbalance: just 100 companies—primarily located in the United States and China—control almost half of the global AI research and development budget.
Dominance at National and Corporate Levels
- U.S. and China generate one‑third of all peer‑reviewed AI publications.
- They also hold two‑thirds of AI patents worldwide.
- Top U.S. firms such as Apple, NVIDIA, and Microsoft collectively command roughly $3 trillion (≈ €2.73 trillion) in market value, comparable to an entire continent’s economy.
- Amazon and Alphabet (Google’s parent) add another $2 trillion (≈ €1.82 trillion).
These concentrations risk deepening technological divides, potentially sidelining many developing nations from AI’s benefits.
Geopolitical Strongholds
The report also maps out the competitive edges of nations in frontier technologies:
- United States leads in AI, the Internet, big data, blockchain, and 3D printing.
- China dominates 5G, drones, and solar photovoltaic development.
- Japan and Korea excel in nanotechnology and robotics.
Meanwhile, 118 countries—mainly from the Global South—are notably absent from current AI governance discussions.
European Union Response
In reaction, the EU has initiated antitrust probes against several leading firms and is contemplating adjustments to its digital services taxes for their European operations.
Related Insights
- 3 out of 4 workers have already leveraged AI in job hunts, according to a recent survey.
- A MIT study concludes AI remains too costly to fully replace human labor in many roles.
How to prepare for the ‘fifth industrial revolution’
Artificial Intelligence Transforms Workforce Landscape
Learning from Big Data
Modern AI systems rely on machine learning techniques to process enormous datasets, uncovering subtle patterns that continually enhance their performance over time.
Beyond Traditional Automation
Unlike earlier mechanised tools that were confined to routine, structured tasks, these intelligent systems can tackle complex, unstructured problems. This opens the possibility for AI to surpass older automation solutions and, in highly skilled occupations, even outperform human operators.
The Interplay of Automation, Augmentation and New Careers
The influence of AI on employment depends on how three dynamics—the rise of fully automated machinery, human–machine collaboration, and the creation of novel job roles—interact with each other.
Recommendations for Developing Nations
- Build reliable internet connectivity to ensure consistent data streams.
- Create high‑quality, extensive datasets that can train sophisticated AI models.
- Revise education systems to embed digital and AI skill training.
Global Shared Facility Proposal
UNCTAD proposes establishing an international, shared hub that distributes AI tools and computing power equitably among countries, fostering unified access to this powerful technology.
Related Learning: Mastering the AI‑Dominated Job Market
While AI reshapes employers’ demands, mastering specific digital skills can position workers for success in this evolving landscape.
Key Takeaway: AI’s true power emerges not only from its autonomous capabilities but also from its ability to boost human productivity when integrated with complementary systems.
