In a significant announcement made on March 13 at the United Nations headquarters in New York City, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) unveiled the highly anticipated Human Development Report for 2023-2024, showcasing a remarkable upswing in Vietnam’s Human Development Index (HDI).

According to Mr. Achim Steiner, Head of the UNDP, speaking to the Vietnam News Agency, the world has witnessed a notable recovery from the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, with the Human Development Index (HDI) experiencing its most substantial uptick since its inaugural release in 1990.

While acknowledging this positive trend, Mr. Steiner also voiced apprehension regarding the escalation of global instability, regional conflicts, inequality, and the widening gap in HDI among nations. The UNDP hopes that the latest Human Development Report will serve as a crucial tool for policymakers in devising appropriate strategies to address these pressing challenges and propel humanity’s development forward.

In a confidential exchange with Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Head of the Permanent Delegation of Vietnam to the UN, the Head of the UNDP extended congratulations to Vietnam on its commendable achievements in human development, which have significantly contributed to the international community’s endeavors to tackle global challenges and implement the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030.

The latest report underscores Vietnam’s notable ascent in the HDI rankings, with a value of 0.726 in 2022, marking a substantial leap from 115 to 107, firmly positioning it among countries with a high HDI index. From 1990 to 2022, Vietnam has witnessed a remarkable surge in its HDI value, escalating from 0.492 to 0.726, representing an almost 50% increase.

This impressive achievement is attributed to the implementation of prudent and effective policies, coupled with the remarkable efforts of the Party and Government in facilitating economic recovery, ensuring social security post the COVID-19 pandemic, and fostering an environment conducive to the development of the Vietnamese populace.

The UNDP’s Human Development Report, compiled biennially with contributions from experts across various UN agencies, member states, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations, aims to dissect the impacts of global trends and contexts on various facets of human development. Widely regarded as a crucial yardstick for assessing a nation’s comprehensive development, the UNDP’s HDI is extensively utilized by researchers and policymakers alike.