Brics’ Blind Spot: Embracing AI While Ignoring Job Displacement

The New Delhi Declaration by Brics has sparked a mixed reaction. Some hail it as a bold step towards harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for economic growth and sustainable development, while others see it as a missed opportunity to address the consequences of this shift.

On one hand, Brics’ commitment to widening access to AI, coupled with its emphasis on safety, security, inclusion, and reliability, is commendable. The declaration forecasts skills needs by analyzing labour market trends in digital, green, care, and other priority sectors. It also establishes Brics Connect, a network aimed at building capacity for changing labour markets.

However, this carefully crafted narrative obscures the glaring omission of any concrete measures to address job displacement. The declaration’s nod towards preparing workers for changing skill needs falls short of confronting the reality that AI and automation will inevitably replace existing work. It’s akin to treating a symptom while ignoring the underlying disease.

Research highlights the devastating impact of job displacement on individuals, communities, and economies as a whole. Studies show that widespread adoption of AI can lead to significant job losses, particularly among low-skilled workers, exacerbating income inequality and social unrest. Brics’ emphasis on expanding social protection for gig and platform workers is a temporary fix for a problem that requires long-term thinking and systemic change.

Brics countries may be paying lip service to the AI revolution, prioritizing economic interests over genuine grappling with its societal implications. Embracing AI without confronting its potential consequences is a classic case of “be careful what you wish for.”

To address this issue, Brics countries need to take a critical re-examination of their approach. This requires more than just tinkering around the edges; it demands a fundamental rethink of how they support workers in the face of technological change.

A possible starting point could be acknowledging the role that governments and corporations have played in perpetuating an economic system that prioritizes growth over people. By shifting focus from GDP-driven development to human-centric progress, Brics countries can begin to address the underlying drivers of job displacement and develop more comprehensive solutions.

The New Delhi Declaration’s failure to confront the reality of job displacement is a missed opportunity for Brics countries to lead the way on this critical issue. Policymakers must prioritize the well-being of workers alongside economic growth as we navigate the complex landscape of technological change. The stakes are high, and the clock is ticking. Inaction on this scale will only exacerbate the problem, leaving millions of workers vulnerable to the ravages of automation.