As artificial intelligence (AI) emerges as a transformative force worldwide, the Global South faces critical challenges in balancing access and ethical development. Recent discussions framed by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres highlight the dichotomy of AI's potential to reshape economies and its capacity to exacerbate existing global inequalities. Guterres remarked, “we must never allow AI to stand for advancing inequality,” urging global cooperation to harness AI responsibly while mitigating its negative consequences.

The concern over disparities becomes more pronounced as nations like the United States shift towards deregulating AI. With Trump’s pledge to repeal Biden's executive order on AI, which balances innovation with civil rights, the Global South must navigate the ripple effects of U.S. policies closely. The economic projections indicate that AI could contribute an astounding US$15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, with a staggering 84% of these gains accruing to North America, China, and Europe, leaving only 16% for the Global South, which houses a majority of the world's population.

Countries within the Global South often struggle with inadequate infrastructure to leverage AI advantages effectively. The lack of access to advanced computational resources and the regulatory landscape poses a threat to their development trajectory. Citing the absence of supercomputers in sub-Saharan Africa, experts stress the risks of further marginalization in the international AI race.

As similar concerns grow regarding bias and ethical implications in AI development, Trump's proposed rollback of regulatory frameworks could incite a race to lower standards across nations. His administration's potential restrictions on open-source AI could stifle innovation, particularly in the Global South, where affordable technologies can bridge significant resource gaps. The deployment of AI in critical sectors, from agriculture to healthcare, remains limited and dependent on the access and affordability of technologies, significantly affecting regions already faced with development challenges.

Addressing job disruption due to AI and automation is vital, with estimates indicating that generative AI could threaten up to 5% of jobs in Latin America and the Caribbean alone. Industries reliant on low-skilled labor, including agriculture and manufacturing, face job losses, particularly impacting women and low-income workers. The gig economy, growing exponentially, often exacerbates inequalities in underdeveloped nations without adequate worker protections.

While the advancements in AI could help farmers diagnose crop diseases in countries like Tanzania, the broader landscape shows a substantial inequality in technology access and implementation. The advancement in precision agriculture in developed countries starkly contrasts with the limited capabilities of Global South counterparts, threatened by climate change and food insecurity.

To combat these challenges, regional collaborations, such as Kenya’s initiatives in creating AI hubs, can facilitate resource pooling and development of localized technologies. Furthermore, alliances such as the African Union's focus on data-sharing aim to adapt AI models that better address local needs, promoting equitable technology growth.

Despite the complexities caused by potential U.S. deregulation and the looming shadow of increased inequality, proactive diplomatic efforts, investment in local infrastructure, and a focus on fair AI governance between nations can provide much-needed resilience for the Global South. As highlighted by international advocates, the future must emphasize inclusivity to ensure AI serves to uplift all, rather than further entrenching divides.