The latest Human Development Report (HDR) released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has unveiled a concerning trend: while rich countries have achieved unprecedented levels of human development, many of the world's poorest nations are slipping backward, exacerbating global inequality. Titled "Breaking the Gridlock: Reimagining cooperation in a polarized world," the report underscores the urgent need for collective action to address these disparities and overcome political polarization.
The HDR for 2023/24 reveals that the global Human Development Index (HDI), a comprehensive measure reflecting a nation's Gross National Income (GNI) per capita, education, and life expectancy, is on track to reach record highs following sharp declines during the years 2020 and 2021. However, this progress is far from uniform. While affluent countries are experiencing unparalleled levels of human development, half of the world's poorest nations have failed to return to their pre-crisis levels of progress.
The report highlights the stark reality of global inequalities, compounded by significant economic concentration. Nearly 40% of global trade in goods is controlled by just three countries, while the market capitalization of the three largest tech companies surpassed the GDP of over 90% of nations in 2021.
"The widening human development gap revealed by the report shows that the two-decade trend of steadily reducing inequalities between wealthy and poor nations is now in reverse. Despite our deeply interconnected global societies, we are falling short,” Achim Steiner, head of the UN Development Programme, remarked.
He emphasized the toll of gridlock on collective action, warning that it not only hinders human development but also worsens polarization and erodes trust in institutions worldwide.
The report suggests that the promotion of international collaborative efforts is impeded by a growing 'democracy paradox'. Despite a vast majority of people worldwide expressing support for democracy, more than half of the global survey respondents endorse leaders who could potentially undermine democratic principles by circumventing essential democratic procedures, as revealed in the report's analysis. Additionally, half of the surveyed individuals globally indicate having little to no control over their lives, while over two-thirds believe they wield minimal influence over their government's decisions.
The report identifies rising political polarization as a major barrier to international cooperation. Despite widespread support for democracy, over half of global survey respondents express backing for leaders who may undermine democratic principles. Additionally, a sense of powerlessness among citizens is fueling inward-turning policy approaches, hindering efforts to tackle urgent issues such as climate change and digital regulation.
Addressing this, Steiner emphasized;
"In a world marked by increasing polarization and division, neglecting to invest in each other poses a serious threat to our well-being and security. Protectionist approaches cannot address the complex, interconnected challenges we face, including pandemic prevention, climate change, and digital regulation. Our problems are intertwined, requiring equally interconnected solutions. By adopting an opportunity-driven agenda that emphasizes the benefits of the energy transition and of artificial intelligence for human development, we have a chance to break through the current deadlock and reignite a commitment to a shared future."
The report calls for immediate action in four key areas: investing in planetary public goods for climate stability, enhancing equity in digital technologies, developing new financial mechanisms for international cooperation, and reducing political polarization through improved governance approaches.
Key data from the report includes:
- All 38 OECD countries achieved higher HDI scores compared to 2019.
- Over half of the 35 least developed countries (LDCs) that experienced HDI declines in 2020 and/or 2021 have not yet recovered to their 2019 levels.
- Developing regions have not met their anticipated HDI levels based on pre-2019 trends, indicating potential permanent setbacks.
- Afghanistan's HDI has regressed by ten years, while Ukraine's dropped to its lowest level since 2004.
- Countries with populist governments exhibit lower GDP growth rates, with GDP per capita being 10% lower after 15 years of populist governance.
The report concludes by advocating for a renewed commitment to multilateralism to address the irreducibly global nature of challenges faced by humanity.
To access the full report, visit HDR 2023/24.
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