Historical review of Sustainable Human Development through reports from the United Nations Development Programme

Abstract

The main objective of this article is to provide a historical overview of the concept of Sustainable Human Development, primarily considering its evolution and application in the reports of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). To achieve this, the terms Human Development and Sustainable Development were addressed as the conceptual foundation, supported by their three fundamental pillars: social, economic, and environmental. The review of both concepts was conducted based on the content analysis method, using two methodological axes: the first axis involved information produced in specialized documents on human development and sustainable development. The second axis involved the analysis of Sustainable Human Development (SHD) through the review of the United Nations Development Programme reports, from 1990 to 2020, to determine the origin and evolution of this concept.

Initially, these reports evaluated human progress in terms of health, education, and standard of living, but over time they have evolved to include the environmental component through sustainability. From the reports, we can observe how the UNDP has addressed three dimensions: economic, social, and environmental. These dimensions are interdependent and mutually influential, emphasizing the need for an integrated and balanced approach to sustainable human development. By considering these dimensions, the reports encompass topics such as security, poverty, human rights, water, climate change, inequality, sustainability, vulnerability, work, and inclusion, among others. These themes reflect the concerns and priorities of the international community, as well as the demands and aspirations of individuals.

From the environmental dimension, sustainable human development implies that people can live in a healthy, safe, and diverse environment that provides them with the resources and ecosystem services that sustain their life and well-being. However, human development is neither neutral nor harmless; it has effects and consequences on the environment, which can be positive or negative. Therefore, the UNDP has addressed different environmental issues and aspects of human development, such as water, climate change, sustainability, and resilience. These highlighted aspects represent the risks and opportunities that the environment poses for human development, as well as the responsibilities and commitments it entails. The United Nations Development Programme has proposed measures and indicators that incorporate the environmental dimension into human development. One such measure is the Human Development Index Adjusted for Environmental Pressures, which reflects the impact of human activities on the environment. Additionally, the UNDP has suggested policies and strategies to promote a more environmentally respectful, efficient, and resilient human development. These include improving natural resource management, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to the effects of climate change, and transitioning toward a green and low-carbon economy.

The economic dimension in sustainable human development means that people can access resources, income, and economic opportunities that allow them to meet their basic needs and improve their quality of life. However, economic development is not an end in itself but a means for human development. Therefore, the UNDP has proposed measures and indicators that go beyond per capita income, such as the Human Development Index, the Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index, and the Labor-adjusted Human Development Index.  These measures and indicators aim to capture the added value of economic development to human development, as well as the losses and impacts it can generate.

According to the social dimension, sustainable human development entails that people can enjoy services, rights, and social opportunities that allow them to develop their capacities and potential, as well as actively participate in political, cultural, and community life. However, social development is neither homogeneous nor automatic; it depends on the conditions and social structures that favor or hinder it. Therefore, the UNDP has addressed different social issues and aspects of human development, such as security, poverty, human rights, the Millennium Development Goals, inequality, the rise of the South, vulnerability, and inclusion.

After the historical review of the origin and evolution of Sustainable Human Development (SHD), it can be asserted that international conferences, summits, and meetings among national leaders, as well as reports from various national and international bodies, have not achieved common objectives for all countries to attain SHD. The focus continues to be on the individual growth of each nation, without considering that environmental degradation, economic progress, and population well-being are interconnected. Natural disasters do not discriminate based on SHD indicators; their impact is equally devastating for nations with low SHD levels. However, it’s worth noting that countries with high SHD will have more social, economic, and environmental tools to address and be resilient in the face of the climate crisis. Reports, summits, and even sustainable development goals are tools that currently outline what nations should do to become more sustainable. However, they lack universally applicable methodologies and guide decision-makers on how to build more sustainable communities, reduce poverty, eliminate hunger, and ensure quality education for all, among other objectives. There must be information about the impact of decisions made by various sectors: society, businesses, governments, and academia. This information should foster shared responsibility and coordinated efforts across these sectors to achieve the long-awaited SHD. While several documents and reports already highlight the impacts of erroneous decisions, action is needed at all levels to mitigate environmental degradation resulting from the need for improved economic growth and well-being. The creation of SHD was driven by the need to shift paradigms regarding economic growth, social well-being, and environmental care. This change primarily involves a shift in principles and values within humanity a dynamic process that will take time unless proactive measures are taken.Top of Form

The historical study of sustainable human development in the UNDP shows the richness and relevance of this concept, whose purpose is to determine strategies and tools to improve people’s capabilities and living conditions in its three dimensions, both in the present and the future. Sustainable human development is a holistic and integrated approach that recognizes the interdependence between the economic, social, and environmental dimensions, acknowledging that policy plays a fundamental role; it also seeks the well-being of all people and the planet. Sustainable human development is, ultimately, a challenge and an opportunity to build a more just, prosperous, and peaceful world.