The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) has issued a call for expanded social protection and skills training to address widening inequality from advances in artificial intelligence and significant energy transitions. This call is outlined in the World Social Report 2026. As AI and energy shifts continue to redefine the global labor landscape, the report underscores the urgency of inclusivity in technological and economic progress.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the necessity of social inclusion as both an economic requirement and a moral obligation. The report introduces the New Economics of Social Inclusion (NESI), which illustrates inclusion as a pivotal driver for economic change, positioning it as an essential precursor to economic success rather than merely a byproduct of growth.
Analyzing data from 168 countries between 2000 and 2024, the report identifies a “conversion gap,” where similar income and transformation benchmarks display varied inclusion results. This is concurrent with rising income inequality in over 50 nations, including 23 high-income countries. As of 2025, around 2.2 billion individuals remained offline, with nearly half of the global population lacking social protection benefits in 2023, according to the International Labour Organization.
Specific demographic groups, including women, youth, the elderly, persons with disabilities, migrants, and Indigenous Peoples, continue to encounter systematic obstacles. The report calls for universal connectivity and increased AI literacy as means to bridge these gaps, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive approaches to education and access.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has noted a 17 percent surge in electricity demand driven by data centers—a figure outpacing overall global demand and presenting challenges such as potential electricity price hikes. The shift towards renewables is substantial, yet the IEA warns of potential slowdowns in grid, supply chain, and capacity expansions, drawing attention to who will bear these costs and reap the benefits.
The debate extends to protective measures for those in fossil fuel economies, ensuring advances in the energy sector do not leave communities behind. Currently, international binding regulations like Article 9 of the ICESCR remain limited, making the role of national governments crucial in safeguarding workers’ interests and managing equitable energy transitions.
Overall, the report suggests a proactive stance in crafting inclusive policies to prevent growing disparities as AI and energy sectors evolve. Without these measures, vast swathes of the population risk exclusion from technological and economic advancements, which are poised to define future employment landscapes.