Islamabad, 15 March, 2024 (GNP): Pakistan’s Ranking in the UN Human Development Index (HDI), according to the latest report released by the United Nations, has slipped to 164th out of 193 countries.
This marks a slight decrease from its previous rank of 161st. Despite remaining at 161st place from 2019 to 2021, Pakistan’s HDI has experienced a downward trend.
The HDI utilizes indicators such as health, education, and income, each assigned a value between 0 and 1.
In South Asia, Sri Lanka leads at 78th place with 0.780 points, followed by Bangladesh at 129th with 0.670 points, and India at 134th with 0.644 points. Afghanistan ranks the lowest in the region at 182nd place with 0.462 points.
While the global HDI indicates a recovery from the post-pandemic slowdown, there is a widening gap between affluent and impoverished nations. Somalia ranks last at 193rd place with 0.380 points, while Switzerland claims the top spot with 0.967 points, followed closely by Norway with 0.966 points.
The report underscores that although global development has rebounded, disparities persist, particularly evident in the growing chasm between rich and poor countries.
Despite a return to pre-pandemic levels, inequalities endure, exacerbating socio-economic divisions and fostering political polarization on a global scale.
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The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) highlights the urgent need for collective action to address the escalating disparities and achieve inclusive progress.
Additionally, the report emphasizes the importance of understanding the broader context of human development beyond economic factors, incorporating dimensions such as life expectancy and educational attainment.
Moreover, the report identifies a concerning “democracy paradox,” where support for democracy coexists with endorsements of leaders who undermine democratic principles.
This paradox, alongside feelings of powerlessness and distrust in governance, contributes to political polarization and inward-looking policy approaches, hindering global cooperation and progress.