Economic and Social Council

1. USA 

2. China 

3. Germany 

4. Japan 

5. India 

6. Brazil 

7. South Africa 8. Mexico 

9. South Korea 10. France 

11. Indonesia 

12. Nigeria 

13. Bangladesh 14. Kenya 

15. Argentina 

16. Turkey 

17. Philippines 

18. Poland 

19. Egypt 

20. Chile

Agenda: Addressing the impact of AI and automation on employment 

In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) powers everything from self-driving cars to personalized Netflix movie recommendations, the job industry is transforming rapidly. 

Automation: AI robots and algorithms are handling tasks once performed by humans. 

While these advancements promise efficiency and reduce costs, they also raise serious concerns about job displacement, economic inequality, and the future of work. What will happen to jobs? The World Economic Forum predicts AI could displace 85 million jobs globally, while creating 97 million new ones. Yet, the transition increases risks of inequality, especially in manufacturing, retail, and routine official roles. 

Many low- and middle-skilled jobs are at high risk of being automated, and are at the highest risk of unemployment in the near future. At the same time, AI is also creating new job opportunities in emerging industries, requiring advanced technical skills and education. This transition highlights a growing gap between those who can adapt to technological change and those who cannot. 

Governments, international organizations, and the private sector are now faced with the challenge of balancing technological innovation with human welfare. Developing countries, reliant on low-skill labor, worry about mass unemployment fueling social unrest, while tech leaders race to harness AI for economic dominance. How should governments cooperate to balance technological innovation with human welfare and ensure no one is left behind in the AI revolution? 

Delegates are encouraged to consider how countries at different stages of development may be affected differently by AI and automation, and to propose solutions that benefit all members of society. Will you prioritize growth or protection?

How can developing nations adapt to technological advancements and automation without worsening the unemployment situation? 

How can the education system be reformed to prepare future workers for a highly dependent and AI-driven economy? 

Will AI widen the gap between developed and developing nations? 

Should there be international regulations regarding the AI usage in the workforce? What role should public and private sectors play in reskilling the workers? 

Should the government implement the universal basic income (UBI) to solve the unemployment and income inequality gap? 

Which sectors are vulnerable to an AI-driven future and how should they be protected? Does AI create more jobs than it destroys in the long term?

AI 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a set of technologies to empower computers to learn, evaluate and perform a variety of advanced tasks that require human intelligence.  

Automation 

The use of automatic equipment and machinery for manufacturing or other processes to produce a good or service. 

Job displacement 

Displacement is a physical term that describes the movement or distance between two objects. When its job displacement, its the involuntary action of loss of job; usually due to technological advancements and higher performing individuals. This is also known as structural unemployment. 

Workforce Reskilling 

This means to retrain and re-educate the workers for a different role. In this case, it will be the strategic process of training employees for essential AI skills, automation, etc. 

Upskilling 

Similar to reskilling, upskilling is the action of teaching a new employee on the additional skill required. In other words, retrain the worker to meet the current economic and strategic requirements. 

Gig Economy 

This is a labour market defined by short-term, contract-based or flexible work rather than permanent employment. These are often facilitated by digital platforms. Some examples may include Uber, delivering food, freelance writer, etc. 

Digital Divide 

This is the gap that’s created between the people who have access to modern-day technological advancement and those who are unable to. 

Universal Basic Income 

Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a social welfare model provided by the government where all citizens receive an equal amount of unconditional cash payments regardless of employment to provide a financial safety net in the country. 

Human Capital 

This is an economic term which refers to the power and skills possessed by individuals who are working in the economy. This is the economic value of workers’ skills, knowledge, experience, abilities, productivity and innovation.