As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes economies and societies worldwide, a new Human Development Report (HDR) released on 6 May 2025 by UNDP highlights that the transformative power of AI must be deliberately directed to enhance - not undermine - human development. Titled “A matter of choice: People and possibilities in the age of AI,” the 2025 Report urges policymakers to make bold, people-centered decisions so that AI serves as a tool to expand capabilities, rather than deepen divides.

The Republic of Moldova maintained its ranking at 86th out of 193 countries and territories according to the Human Development Index (HDI) - measuring national progress in health, education, and living standards. This is based on both 2022 and 2023 data. Moldova’s HDI value for 2023 is 0.785, placing it in the high human development category. Since 2005, HDI for Moldova increased with 11.8 percent. 

Key metrics (2022 vs 2023)

The 2025 HDR emphasizes that humans are not passive bystanders in the age of AI. If left unchecked, technological disruption can deepen inequalities and reinforce existing imbalances in power and opportunity. Yet, with the right investments in education, digital infrastructure, and inclusive innovation, countries like the Republic of Moldova can leverage AI to advance development outcomes. The report warns that without effective policy oversight, AI may reinforce labor market exclusion, data bias, and power concentration - making proactive governance essential

“Moldova stands at a crossroads, where key policy choices today will shape how technology serves people tomorrow,” said Daniela Gasparikova, UNDP Resident Representative to the Republic of Moldova. “UNDP is working closely with national partners to ensure that digital transformation, including AI integration, strengthens our shared vision of sustainable development. Investing in digital skills, governance, and ethical innovation is key to protecting and enhancing human capabilities.”

While Moldova has faced overlapping shocks in recent years, from the war in Ukraine to the energy crisis, the country has maintained a trajectory of steady human development gains. Since 2005, Moldova’s HDI has increased by 11.8 percent, reflecting progress in health, education, and living standards. Yet inequalities persist: Moldova’s HDI is reduced by 8.4 percent when adjusted for inequality, which lowers the HDI to 0.719 in 2023.

Gender disparities also remain a focus. The Gender Development Index in Moldova stands at 1.029 (compared to 1.033 in 2022), among the highest in the Europe and Central Asia region, but challenges persist in ensuring equal opportunities and representation across sectors. Also, in 2023, Moldova has the Gender Inequality Index (GII) value of 0.146, ranking it at 42 out of 172 countries.

The 2025 HDR is the second in a trilogy examining key dimensions of uncertainty: after addressing global polarization in the 2023/24 edition, this year's report focuses on shaping a shared digital future. The final report in 2026 will explore human aspirations in the Anthropocene.

As Moldova advances its digital transformation and AI agenda, UNDP continues to support national efforts - from strengthening data governance to developing inclusive digital policies and building institutional capacity to responsibly deploy emerging technologies in public services.

UNDP advocates for sustained commitment to people-centered digital development, ensuring that Moldova’s AI journey is inclusive, ethical, and aligned with long-term human development priorities.

To view the full Human Development Report 2025, visit: https://hdr.undp.org