First published by the UNDP in 1990, the Human Development Report (HDR) introduced the Human Development Index (HDI) as a new way to measure progress beyond economic growth. The HDR has since become a leading global reference for assessing well-being, focusing on health, education, and standard of living. Each year, the report explores a key theme shaping human development, providing data-driven insights and policy recommendations for governments, civil society, and the international community.

The Human Development Report 2025 reveals a troubling global trend: while the Human Development Index (HDI) has reached its highest level ever, the pace of progress has slowed to its lowest rate in 35 years. For many years, the global HDI steadily improved, but recent years have seen increased volatility and stagnation. In fact, the global HDI average declined for two consecutive years (2020–2021)—the first such back-to-back drop since the report’s inception. In 2023, over 90 countries recorded lower HDI values than in 2019, highlighting the widespread impact of recent crises.

Visit the Human Development Report 2025 for English version.