The International Labour Organisation has endorsed the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in reshaping global labour markets but insists that robust worker protections are essential to prevent deepening inequalities, according to a report obtained on Tuesday.

The study, ‘Generative AI and Jobs: A Global Perspective on Risks and Opportunities’, co-published by the ILO and Poland’s National Research Institute, introduces a pioneering framework to assess the impact of generative AI across diverse economies.

Aimed at guiding governments, particularly in developing nations, the report offers tools to navigate the AI-driven transition, with Nigeria’s dynamic digital economy among the contexts considered.

“It’s easy to get lost in the AI hype,” Senior Economist at the ILO, Janine Berg, said. “What we need is clarity and context. This tool helps

countries across the world assess potential exposure and prepare their labour markets for a fairer digital future.”

The report marks the first instalment in a planned series examining the long-term implications of GenAI on employment, offering a nuanced view beyond the typical concerns of job loss and automation.

While acknowledging the disruptive potential of GenAI, especially in automating high-cognitive tasks, the ILO stresses that with the right public policies, training programmes, and safeguards, AI can contribute to productivity gains and job creation.

A key feature of the report is a customisable exposure index, designed to help governments identify vulnerable sectors, compare risks across occupations, and prioritise strategic interventions.

According to the ILO, this approach allows for evidence-based policymaking that aligns technological innovation with social protection.

“This is not about resisting change but about shaping it responsibly,” Berg added. “Without timely action, the digital divide could widen, exacerbating inequalities between and within countries.”

The study also raised concerns about the preparedness of emerging economies, which often contend with weaker digital infrastructure, limited institutional capacity, and fewer resources to cushion the effects of technological disruption.

Nonetheless, the ILO suggested that these nations are also uniquely positioned to leapfrog stages of development if supported by robust frameworks and global cooperation.

The ILO–NASK initiative aims to guide policymakers, labour leaders, and employers in crafting agile responses to AI’s evolution, with future publications in the series expected to delve into national-level strategies and technical blueprints for inclusive digital transformation.