Pakistan has advanced three steps in the global Human Development Index (HDI) rankings, securing the 161st position among 191 countries, as per the latest report released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
This marks an improvement from its previous standing of 164th in the 2021/22 report, amidst a worldwide decline in development attributed to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The HDI serves as a comprehensive measure, encompassing factors such as per capita income, educational attainment, and life expectancy. Initiated in 1990 under the guidance of the late Dr Mahbubul Haq, a former Pakistani finance minister, the Human Development Report aims to provide insight into global development trends.
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Titled 'Breaking the Gridlock,' the latest report draws attention to widening disparities among different socio-economic groups despite achieving record high global human development scores in 2023. While affluent nations have witnessed remarkable progress, half of the world's poorest countries continue to grapple with challenges that have intensified following the Covid-19 crisis.
In the South Asian region, Pakistan's HDI ranking is surpassed by India at 132nd, Sri Lanka at 73rd, Bangladesh at 129th, Maldives at 90th, Nepal at 143rd, and Bhutan at 127th. Afghanistan stands at 180th.
Notably, Switzerland leads this year's rankings, followed by Norway and Iceland, with countries like the Central African Republic (CAR), South Sudan, and Somalia trailing behind.
UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner expressed concern over the widening human development gap between rich and poor nations, emphasising the urgent need for collective action to address global challenges. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres echoed these sentiments, highlighting the significance of international cooperation in achieving sustainable development goals.
Read: Pathways to development — where Pakistan stands
Furthermore, the Human Development Report identifies a "democracy paradox," wherein support for democracy coexists with endorsements of leaders who may undermine democratic principles. This paradox, coupled with feelings of powerlessness and governmental control, has fueled political polarisation and inward-looking policy approaches.
Against the backdrop of record-breaking temperatures in 2023 and the rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the report underscores the imperative for united action to combat climate change and regulate technological advancements.
UNDP head Achim Steiner emphasised the necessity of investing in interconnected solutions to address complex global challenges and foster a shared future.
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