AI: A Beacon of Hope Amidst Global Human Development Slowdown
Unprecedented Deceleration in Human Progress
A recent report from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) highlights an alarming trend: global human development is facing an unprecedented slowdown. Released on Tuesday, the report underscores the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to rejuvenate development across the globe.
The Stagnation of Progress
Instead of witnessing a steady recovery following the crises of 2020-2021, the report reveals an unexpected deceleration in development. Excluding the tumultuous crisis years, the projected increase in global human development is the smallest we’ve seen since 1990.
Insights from the 2025 Human Development Report
Titled "A Matter of Choice: People and Possibilities in the Age of Artificial Intelligence," the 2025 Human Development Report details the status of development through various indicators, collectively known as the Human Development Index (HDI). This index considers achievements in health, education, and income levels. Projections for 2024 indicate that progress on the HDI has stalled across all global regions.
Widening Inequalities
The report paints a troubling picture, revealing widening inequalities between rich and poor countries. As traditional pathways to development are increasingly constricted by global pressures, urgent action is deemed necessary to steer the world away from prolonged stagnation.
A Call to Action
"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," cautioned Achim Steiner, Administrator of the UNDP. He warned that if the sluggish progress of 2024 sets the new standard, the target for 2030 could slip away for many years, resulting in a more divided, less secure world vulnerable to economic and ecological shocks.
Escalating Inequality
The report reveals that, for the fourth consecutive year, disparities between Low HDI and Very High HDI countries are on the rise. This trend reverses a historical decline in inequality between affluent and underprivileged nations.
Severe Challenges
Countries with the lowest HDI scores are facing particularly severe challenges, exacerbated by rising trade tensions, an escalating debt crisis, and increasing jobless industrialization. Steiner emphasized the urgent need to explore new avenues to drive development globally.
The AI Opportunity
As AI technologies advance rapidly in various sectors, the report advocates for harnessing this potential for development. New capabilities are emerging daily, and while AI is not a cure-all, the choices humanity makes today could reignite growth and open new paths for progress.
Public Perception of AI
A new survey included in the report reveals that despite concerns, the public remains hopeful about AI’s impact on their lives. Half of the respondents globally believe their jobs could be automated; however, a larger portion—six in ten—anticipates positive effects from AI, creating opportunities in emerging job markets.
Concerns About Job Losses
Only 13% of surveyed individuals fear that AI will lead to widespread job losses. In lower- and medium-HDI countries, an impressive 70% expect AI to boost their productivity, while two-thirds anticipate using AI in education, health, or employment within the next year.
Advocating for a Human-Centered Approach
The report champions a human-centered approach to AI, emphasizing its potential to radically transform developmental strategies. According to the survey, there is a global readiness for this type of reset.
Critical Areas for Action
The report delineates three vital areas for action:
- Building an economy where people collaborate with AI, rather than compete against it.
- Incorporating human agency throughout the AI lifecycle, from design to deployment.
- Modernizing education and health systems to meet the demands of the 21st century.
Defining the Legacy of Our Choices
"The choices we make in the coming years will define the legacy of this technological transition for human development," asserted Pedro Conceicao, Director of UNDP’s Human Development Report Office. With the right policies and a focus on empowering people, AI could serve as a crucial bridge to enhanced knowledge, skills, and innovative ideas, benefiting everyone from farmers to small business owners.
Conclusion: A Path Forward
As we stand at a crossroads in human development, the decisions made today will significantly influence our global trajectory. By leveraging AI and focusing on equitable growth, we can work toward a more prosperous future for all.
Questions and Answers
What is the main finding of the UNDP’s recent report on human development?
- The report indicates an unprecedented slowdown in global human development, with the smallest projected increase in the Human Development Index (HDI) since 1990.
How does the report suggest AI can contribute to development?
- The report advocates for a human-centered approach to AI that could transform developmental strategies and open new pathways for growth.
What are the critical areas for action identified in the report?
- The report outlines three areas: collaboration between people and AI, embedding human agency in the AI lifecycle, and modernizing education and health systems.
How do people perceive the impact of AI on their jobs?
- A survey found that while half of respondents believe their jobs could be automated, a larger share (60%) expects AI to create new job opportunities.
- Why is urgent action deemed necessary according to the report?
- The rising inequalities and challenges faced by countries with low HDI scores, compounded by global pressures, necessitate immediate action to prevent prolonged stagnation in development.
