The AI divide: Who gets left behind?

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Almost 4 billion people lack the infrastructure to participate in the AI revolution. Can business and policy leaders ensure technology narrows, not widens, the global gap?

Vice chair and President of Microsoft, Brad Smith says, "AI will either help close the great divide economically in the world, or it will make it wider." With billions lacking power, internet, and digital literacy, the stakes are high.

Smith argues that only bold partnerships between governments and companies can ensure AI lifts everyone.

Watch more Global Stage coverage from the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly here: gzeromedia.com/globalstage

More from GZERO Media

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A world beset by war, widening inequality, climate stress, and runaway AI demands institutions that can still deliver. In a Global Stage conversation recorded live on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, moderated by journalist Julia Chatterley, our expert panel probes whether multilateralism can adapt amid crisis and competition.

Throughout his Walmart career, Greg has earned nine promotions, moving from an hourly associate to now overseeing 10 Walmart stores. His story is one of many. More than 75% of Walmart management started as hourly associates, and the retailer offers competitive benefits to support associates on and off the clock. At Walmart, there is a path for everyone. Learn how Walmart is investing in opportunities for associates at all levels.

Microsoft has announced its newest — and largest — AI datacenter in Wisconsin, with the first facility set to go operational by early 2026 and a second of similar scale to follow. Together, the projects represent a $7 billion investment, creating hundreds of jobs and dramatically expanding AI capacity. These facilities feature hundreds of thousands of the world’s most powerful NVIDIA GPUs, billions of gigabytes of storage, and a hyper-optimized network with enough fiber cable to circle the globe four and a half times. Advanced liquid cooling eliminates the need for water use on 90% of the campus, sustainably powering AI training at an unprecedented scale. Beyond technology, Microsoft has partnered with 40+ local organizations, trained 114,000+ people in AI and digital skills, and connected 9,300 rural residents to reliable broadband. Learn more here.

US President Donald Trump delivers his speech to the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York, United States, Tuesday, September 23, 2025.
AAPIMAGE via Reuters Connect

“Whoever’s in charge of the teleprompter is in trouble,” Donald Trump quipped from the lectern at the United Nations General Assembly, drawing a chuckle as the screen in front of him blinked blankly.

National Executive Director of the Directors Guild of America (DGA) Russell Hollander speaks during a protest outside the Dolby Theatre, across the street from the theater where "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" was recorded for broadcast, following his suspension for remarks he made regarding Charlie Kirk’s assassination, on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, California, U.S. September 22, 2025.
REUTERS/David Swanson
The Palestinian flag is raised as the Palestinian mission to the United Kingdom holds a ceremony after the UK government announced on Sunday the country's formal recognition of a Palestinian state, at the mission's headquarters in London, United Kingdom, on September 22, 2025.
REUTERS/Toby Melville