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Who created HDI?

Published in Human Development Index Creator 3 mins read

The Human Development Index (HDI) was created by Mahbub ul Haq, a renowned Pakistani economist.


The Architect of the Human Development Index (HDI)

The Human Development Index (HDI) was conceptualized and developed in 1990 by Mahbub ul Haq. His vision was to create a measure that went beyond purely economic indicators like GDP to assess a country's development by focusing on human well-being. This innovative index has since become a standard tool for understanding global development.

Mahbub ul Haq: A Visionary Economist

Mahbub ul Haq was a distinguished Pakistani economist who served in various capacities, including as the Finance Minister of Pakistan. He is widely recognized for his pioneering work in human development and his efforts to redefine the concept of progress. His foundational work on the HDI paved the way for a broader understanding of what constitutes national development, emphasizing people and their capabilities rather than just economic output.

The Role of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP)

Following its creation by Mahbub ul Haq, the HDI was adopted and further utilized by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). The UNDP has since used the HDI as a key metric in its annual Human Development Report, providing a comprehensive framework for measuring and tracking a country's development progress. This partnership amplified the index's global reach and impact, making it an essential tool for policymakers, researchers, and international organizations.

Understanding the Human Development Index

The HDI is a composite index that evaluates the overall well-being of a country's population by considering key dimensions of human development. It moves beyond economic statistics to provide a more holistic view of progress.

Dimension Key Indicator
A Long and Healthy Life Life expectancy at birth
Knowledge Mean years of schooling and expected years of schooling
A Decent Standard of Living Gross National Income (GNI) per capita (PPP $)

By combining these indicators, the HDI provides a single measure that reflects achievements in health, education, and living standards.

Significance of HDI

The HDI serves as a crucial instrument for:

  • Benchmarking progress: It allows for comparisons of development levels across different countries and over time.
  • Policy formulation: It helps governments and international bodies identify areas needing improvement and formulate targeted policies.
  • Advocacy: It highlights disparities and promotes a human-centered approach to development, emphasizing that true progress must benefit all people.

For more information on the Human Development Index, visit the UNDP Human Development Reports website.