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How Artificial Intelligence can Eradicate Poverty
The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (October 17) was designed to remind the world that millions of people still face severe deprivation of basic needs such as clean water, nutritious food, safe housing and essential services such as education and healthcare.
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Despite decades of progress — with the global extreme poverty rate falling from 36% in 1990 to 8.6% in 2018 — some 719 million people now live on less than $2.15 a day, according to recent estimates of the World Bank. It is worth highlighting that this amount is insufficient to guarantee a dignified life, as it does not cover the real cost of survival. (To put that in perspective: a Starbucks coffee easily costs twice that amount.)
To visualize the 719 million people who live on less than US$2.15 a day, see some comparisons:
The world has been celebrating October 17th since 1987, however, society is far from eradicating poverty. The reasons involve a complex combination of individual and institutional factors. This year’s theme, “Eradicating Unfair Social and Institutional Treatment,” draws attention to the multifaceted nature of this challenge.
As Mahatma Gandhi said, “The world has enough for everyone’s needs, but not enough for everyone’s greed.” Ending poverty requires a holistic and generous approach, involving public, private, academic and artistic sectors. It is a transdisciplinary and multigenerational effort that has been neglected for too long. So, can artificial intelligence help in this mission?
ProSocial AI, a concept that uses AI to promote human dignity, social inclusion and equitable growth, can revolutionize solutions for eradicating poverty. By developing AI systems based on transparency, fairness and inclusion, we can tackle this problem in unimaginable ways.
Below, we explore how AI can combat the root causes of poverty — from access to education and healthcare to job creation — with practical examples of its effective application.
Models like the World Bank’s “Multidimensional Poverty Measure” already analyze factors such as income, nutrition and living conditions. AI can enhance these approaches by incorporating real-time data from mobile networks and social media to predict economic crises or environmental conditions that could exacerbate poverty. AI-powered tools can also optimize resource distribution, ensuring social protection programs reach the most vulnerable effectively.
Education is one of the most powerful tools for breaking the cycle of poverty, and AI can democratize access to quality content. “ProSocial AI” can reduce educational inequalities between urban and rural areas by offering personalized learning experiences. Platforms powered by AI allow children from underserved communities to access content adapted to their learning pace, through cell phones or low-cost devices.
Adaptive learning systems, for example, identify knowledge gaps and adjust content in real time. Chatbots and virtual tutors also provide support similar to individualized teaching, filling teacher shortages in regions with a shortage of professionals.
ProSocial AI can revolutionize the job market by creating new opportunities and increasing productivity, rather than just replacing jobs. AI-based platforms enable individuals living in poverty to participate in micro-entrepreneurial activities and flexible work tailored to their skills.
Access to healthcare is one of the biggest challenges for poor populations, and AI offers scalable and personalized solutions, such as telemedicine platforms. This solution allows patients in remote or underserved areas to access medical consultations and diagnoses without the need for large infrastructures.
While artificial intelligence is not a silver bullet, it holds great promise in addressing structural issues that perpetuate poverty. By using AI to drive targeted assistance, expand access to education and healthcare, create new employment opportunities, and foster financial inclusion, we can accelerate progress.
However, the success of these solutions depends on collaboration between governments, companies, universities and civil society. We need to go beyond a symbolic commitment celebrated once a year. Making poverty eradication a reality requires a genuine desire for change.