Human Development Progress Experiences Significant Slowdown According To UNDP Report

A recent report from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) highlights a concerning slowdown in human development. The report, released on Tuesday, suggests that Artificial Intelligence (AI) could potentially revitalise progress. Despite expectations of recovery after the crises of 2020-2021, the report indicates that global human development has seen minimal growth, marking the smallest increase since 1990.

The "A Matter of Choice: People and Possibilities in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI)" report for 2025 examines various indicators within the Human Development Index (HDI). These indicators include health, education, and income levels. The projections for 2024 show stagnation in HDI progress across all regions worldwide.

Beyond the slow pace of global development, the report highlights growing disparities between wealthy and poorer nations. Traditional development paths are under pressure globally, necessitating decisive actions to prevent prolonged stagnation. Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator, stated, "For decades, we have been on track to reach a very high human development world by 2030, but this deceleration signals a very real threat to global progress."

Steiner further warned that if sluggish progress becomes normal by 2024, achieving the 2030 milestone could be delayed by decades. This delay would make the world more insecure and divided while increasing vulnerability to economic and ecological shocks.

The report notes that inequality between countries with Low HDI and those with Very High HDI has increased for four consecutive years. This trend reverses previous reductions in disparities between rich and poor nations. Countries with low HDI scores face severe challenges due to rising trade tensions, worsening debt crises, and jobless industrialisation.

Amid these global challenges, Steiner emphasised exploring new ways to drive development. He noted AI's rapid advancement across many life aspects and its potential for development. While AI is not a cure-all solution, it offers opportunities to reignite human development through new pathways.

Public Perception of AI's Impact

The report includes survey results showing public perceptions of AI's impact on jobs. Half of respondents worldwide believe their jobs might be automated. However, six out of ten expect AI to positively affect employment by creating new job opportunities that do not exist today.

Only 13 percent fear job losses due to AI. In contrast, in low- and medium-HDI countries, 70 percent anticipate increased productivity from AI use. Two-thirds expect to use AI in education, health, or work within a year.

A Human-Centred Approach to AI

The report advocates for a human-centred approach to AI that can fundamentally redesign development strategies. Survey results indicate global readiness for this kind of reset. The report outlines three critical action areas: fostering collaboration between people and AI; embedding human agency throughout the AI lifecycle; and modernising education and health systems for current demands.

Pedro Conceição from UNDP’s Human Development Report Office stated: "The choices we make in the coming years will define the legacy of this technological transition for human development." He emphasised that with appropriate policies focusing on people, AI can bridge gaps in knowledge and skills across various sectors.

With inputs from WAM