The World Bank, Bank of America, and the Council for Inclusive Capitalism convened leaders in Novel York in October 2025 to address the potential for artificial intelligence to exacerbate existing inequalities, according to a joint statement released following the meeting.
The roundtable, titled “Navigating the AI Transition: Creating Long-term Value and Inclusive Capitalism,” brought together representatives from business, finance, labor, academia, and civil society. Discussions centered on ensuring that the productivity gains from AI translate into equal opportunity and fairness, particularly concerning the workforce. World Bank President Ajay Banga, Bank of America Chair & CEO Brian Moynihan, and Council for Inclusive Capitalism Founder & CEO Lynn Forester de Rothschild co-hosted the event.
Participants expressed concern that the current AI investment boom could mask underlying economic vulnerabilities, potentially coinciding with a stock market bubble and widespread job displacement in developed economies. A key theme was the risk of AI-driven growth widening global divisions and increasing social inequality. The convening took place alongside the UN General Assembly gathering, highlighting the international scope of the issue.
The Council for Inclusive Capitalism emphasized the shared responsibility of business, investors, and government in managing the AI transition. The discussion acknowledged that without proactive measures, AI could hinder the participation of small businesses, which employ over half the global workforce, in the emerging AI-driven economy. A report released by the Diplomatic Courier in April 2025 underscored the need for tailored AI solutions, accessible training programs, and financial incentives to support small business adoption of the technology.
Concerns were raised about the potential for AI to underperform, leading to fiscal and economic stresses, or, conversely, to cause large-scale job displacement and social unrest if it succeeds without adequate workforce preparation. The Randstad Enterprise report from January 2025 highlighted the importance of ensuring all employees, regardless of background, have equal opportunities to learn and utilize AI, addressing potential fears of job replacement and a lack of trust in the technology.
The United Nations Technology Bank has noted that while AI has driven record profits for some companies in developed nations, its benefits have not been universally shared. The discussion at the Climate Week convening focused on strategies to avoid repeating past inequities as AI is rolled out across organizations, ensuring that talent receives appropriate training and is not left behind. The meeting operated under the Chatham House Rule, meaning participants’ comments were not attributed.
The World Economic Forum estimates that 75% of companies expect to adopt AI technology, creating a demand for a skilled workforce capable of driving its success. No specific policy recommendations or commitments were publicly released following the October 2025 meeting, but organizers indicated further discussions are planned to develop concrete strategies for inclusive AI implementation.
