Posted on 15 March 2024
The gulf between rich and poor countries continues to widen, according to the United Nations. This trend marks a reversal of the past two decades, during which the gap had been gradually narrowing until 2020. The recent human development report reveals that while all 38 OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) nations have recovered from the Covid pandemic, only half of the least-developed countries have done so. While the overall index suggests a story of recovery, a closer look reveals that this recovery is specific to high-income countries. Low-income and least-developed nations are still struggling. The report highlights rising populism, “mismanaged globalisation,” and militarization as critical challenges in today’s global development landscape. The increasing defense budgets contrast starkly with slashed development budgets, hindering cooperation and investment in poorer countries. This combination paints a bleak picture for the future. The human development index, which considers life expectancy, education, and per capita income, serves as a tool for assessing these disparities. Switzerland tops this year’s chart, while South Sudan, which had the lowest score in 2021-22, faces even greater challenges this year. The pandemic has exacerbated pre-existing structural issues like poverty, weakening countries’ resilience and ability to withstand shocks. Inclusion of Somalia in the report for the first time underscores progress in data collection, but significant work remains to ensure healthcare, education, and prosperity for all Somalis, especially given their exposure to climate vulnerabilities.
Source: The Guardian
Photo: DFID - UK Department for International Development, via Wikimedia Commons