Human Development Report 1996

by United Nations

The Human Development Report, now in its seventh edition, updates the unique Human Development Indicators comparing human development in most countries of the world, and the data tables on all aspects of human development. It describes the historical evolution of the human development paradigm, and examines the trends in economic growth and human development from a larger canvas, ultimately showing their impact on people. The special focus of this edition is on the important link between economic growth and human development. The Report maintains that the link is not automatic but can be established through proper policy management, arguing the case for initiating and accelerating economic growth and at the same time accelerating and sustaining human development in different parts of the world. The Report also maintains that the quality of growth is as important as its quantity; otherwise, growth can be jobless, voiceless, ruthless, rootless, and futureless. It identifies employment as an important instrument in translating the benefits of economic growth into peoples lives. According to the Report, the world has become polarized since more than a billion people are enjoying a more than 5% per capita income growth, while there are nearly a billion people suffering from negative growth. The Report ranks 174 countries according to the Human Development Index (HDI). It also gives the global ranking of more than 100 countries in terms of Gender-Related Development Index (GDI) and the Gender Empowerment Measure (GEM). The first index represents HDI, taking into account gender inequality in capabilities, and the second represents female opportunities in selected economic and political areas. New to this edition is the Capability Poverty Measure (CPM), which is used as an alternative to the traditional income poverty measure. The Report concludes that the future challenge is how to forge and sustain the desired kind of linkage between economic growth and human development in a globalized world which represents both opportunities and threats for the nations of the world.

240 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

From http://www.un.org/en/aboutun/index.sh...

The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945 after the Second World War by 51 countries committed to maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations and promoting social progress, better living standards and human rights.

Due to its unique international character, and the powers vested in its founding Charter, the Organization can take action on a wide range of issues, and provide a forum for its 193 Member States to express their views, through the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council and other bodies and committees.

The work of the United Nations reaches every corner of the globe. Although best known for peacekeeping, peacebuilding, conflict prevention and humanitarian assistance, there are many other ways the United Nations and its System (specialized agencies, funds and programmes) affect our lives and make the world a better place. The Organization works on a broad range of fundamental issues, from sustainable development, environment and refugees protection, disaster relief, counter terrorism, disarmament and non-proliferation, to promoting democracy, human rights, gender equality and the advancement of women, governance, economic and social development and international health, clearing landmines, expanding food production, and more, in order to achieve its goals and coordinate efforts for a safer world for this and future generations.

The UN has 4 main purposes:

* To keep peace throughout the world;
* To develop friendly relations among nations;
* To help nations work together to improve the lives of poor people, to conquer hunger, disease and illiteracy, and to encourage respect for each other’s rights and freedoms;
* To be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations to achieve these goals.