UN report warns AI and green transition could deepen exclusion

Key takeaways

The World Social Report 2026 says rapid economic change may leave vulnerable groups behind without access to skills, services and protections.

What happened

The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs published the World Social Report 2026, examining how AI, renewable energy and other transformations could widen inequality. It identifies groups facing barriers to jobs, skills, infrastructure and social protection. The report presents risks and policy recommendations, not a prediction that every country will see worse inequality.

Why it matters

The distribution of benefits from technological and energy changes depends on choices about education, infrastructure and support.

What to watch

National policies and measurable inclusion indicators will show whether the recommendations are adopted.

Sources

• https://desapublications.un.org/publications/world-social-report-2026-new-economics-social-inclusion-marking-transformations-work
• https://www.un.org/en/desa/ai-green-energy-and-economic-transitions-risk-leaving-vulnerable-communities-behind-un-warns