Fri Apr 04 19:05:40 UTC 2025: ## UN Report: AI Market to Reach $4.8 Trillion by 2033, but Equitable Access Remains a Challenge

**Chennai, April 5, 2025** – A new United Nations report predicts the artificial intelligence (AI) market will explode to $4.8 trillion by 2033. However, the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) report, released Thursday in Geneva, emphasizes the need for international cooperation to ensure equitable access and prevent the exacerbation of existing global divides.

UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan called for a shift in focus from technology itself to the people who use it, advocating for a globally collaborative AI framework.

The report highlights both the potential and the pitfalls of AI development, using India as a case study. While India has made significant investments in telecommunications, less than half its population enjoys reliable internet access. The report showcases two Indian examples: Tata Steel’s successful use of AI to boost productivity and profits, and the mMitra healthcare initiative.

mMitra, a free mobile messaging service delivering vital health information to pregnant women, reached 3.6 million individuals. While successful in amplifying the voices of vulnerable women and encouraging professional medical help, the program experienced a 40% dropout rate. To address this, mMitra partnered with Google India to develop an AI model that predicts at-risk women and tailors outreach accordingly. This resulted in a 30% improvement in service subscription. The report suggests this personalized approach could be beneficial across various sectors.

Acknowledging concerns about data misuse, the report notes India’s proactive steps, including the Indian Council of Medical Research’s ethical guidelines for AI in healthcare. The UNCTAD report concludes that AI’s potential for progress and shared prosperity depends on countries actively shaping its development, emphasizing the importance of placing people at the heart of AI’s advancement. Otherwise, the report warns, existing global inequalities will only worsen.

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