Chapter 13

AI, EQUITY AS A PILLAR OF COLOMBIA'S ECONOMIC FUTURE

A new horizon for development

A nation's progress is not measured solely by the size of its economy, but by the fairness with which it distributes its opportunities.
Colombia, a land of diversity, talent, and creativity, faces the challenge of transforming growth into shared well-being, where wealth is not concentrated in the hands of a few, but rather propels everyone forward.

Artificial intelligence (AI), when properly guided, can be a great ally in this endeavor: an instrument for analysis, planning, and action that helps to balance the burdens of development and build a more humane, just, and sustainable country.

Equity as the foundation of progress: Equity does not mean giving everyone the same thing, but rather offering each citizen the necessary conditions to fully develop.
An equitable system reduces poverty, expands the middle class, strengthens social peace, and stimulates innovation.

Today, Colombia's Gini coefficient hovers around 0.52, one of the highest in the region. To achieve a truly just country, we must move towards a Gini coefficient close to 0.35, a level that characterizes cohesive and prosperous societies.

Education and artificial intelligence: a transformative pairing:

Education remains the most powerful tool for leveling the playing field. AI can contribute in a practical and humane way to:

Personalize learning according to each student's abilities.

Preventing school dropout through predictive systems.

Connecting young people with scholarships, technical training, and real jobs.

Democratizing knowledge in rural and remote regions.

An AI-powered education does not replace the teacher: it empowers them to go further and transform more lives.

Tax reform and purposeful employment: an equitable country needs a fair tax system and a decent labor market.
AI can detect tax evasion, optimize subsidies, and direct resources to where they are most needed.
At the same time, automation and smart data can unlock new opportunities in emerging sectors such as clean energy, the circular economy, and digital innovation.

True economic justice arises when work is valued, wealth is shared, and technological efficiency benefits everyone.

Territorial equity: closing gaps with a technological vision

Colombia cannot be equitable if its development is concentrated solely in large cities.
AI allows for mapping poverty, detecting infrastructure gaps, and precisely planning regional investments.
With technical assistance, rural connectivity, and support for small producers, the countryside can become an engine of sustainable prosperity.

Gender and youth equality: foundations of the new country

The equitable participation of women and young people in the economy is key to the future.
AI can help identify wage inequalities, promote inclusion, and create transparent job selection systems.
Every empowered woman and every young person with access to knowledge represents a seed of collective transformation.

Final reflection: shared wealth

Colombia can build a growth model where artificial intelligence is not a technological luxury, but a tool for social justice.
Equity does not hinder productivity; it multiplies it, because a just society generates trust, talent, and hope.

Colombia's economic future will be strong if it is fair,
and it will be fair if it is built with knowledge, solidarity, and a human vision.

AI offers us the possibility of looking with new eyes at the country we dream of: where wealth is not measured in bank accounts, but in well-being, opportunities and shared joy.

The approximate Gini coefficient values ​​for various representative countries are provided so you can use them in your article. The values ​​are the most recent available, but may vary depending on the source or year. The figures are expressed as a percentage (i.e., index × 100).

Important notes for using the data

The primary source is the World Bank through its SI.POV.GINI indicator.  World Bank Open Data+1

Differences between years or methods (income vs. consumption, before or after taxes and transfers) can affect comparisons between countries.  Our World in Data+1

Some values ​​represent old or outdated estimates; it is advisable to check the specific year if accuracy is important.