Over the last few decades, people around the world had been slowly but steadily enjoying better lives — more freedom, better health, more education, and growing incomes. The United Nations even predicted that by 2030, the world would see a high level of development across most countries.
But then, the world changed.
The COVID-19 pandemic hit hard, and in the years since, progress has stalled. A new report from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) says that the pace of human development — a measure of how people are living and thriving — has slowed dramatically. Even worse, inequalities between rich and poor countries have grown for four years in a row.
A Global Setback in Human Progress
The report paints a troubling picture. As global challenges like economic struggles, growing debt, and rising tensions between countries take hold, governments are finding it harder to invest in things that matter — like healthcare, education, and social services.
Achim Steiner, the UNDP Administrator, warns that if this slow progress continues, we may not reach our development goals for many decades. “This slowdown is a real threat,” he said. “It makes the world less safe, more divided, and more vulnerable to future crises — whether economic or environmental.”
In simple terms, after years of going forward, we’re stuck. And the road ahead looks bumpy.
A Surprising Silver Lining: Artificial Intelligence
But the report doesn’t just bring bad news. In fact, there’s a surprising source of hope — artificial intelligence, or AI.
According to the UNDP, if used correctly, AI could be a game-changer in solving many of the problems holding us back. From education to healthcare and small business growth, AI could help people around the world lead better lives — especially in countries that are still developing.
A global survey conducted for the report found that most people are optimistic about AI. Around 60% believe it will improve their jobs and create new chances for growth. Interestingly, people in developing countries are even more hopeful: 70% say AI could help them be more productive, and many plan to start using it soon for education and health purposes.
But AI Needs to Be Handled Carefully Globally
The UNDP is clear, though: AI is not a magic solution, and it could just as easily make things worse if we’re not careful. To truly help people, AI must be developed and used with fairness, inclusion, and responsibility.
The report calls for:
- Modernizing education and healthcare so people can benefit from AI.
- Focusing on collaboration between humans and machines, not competition.
- Putting people at the center of AI — meaning AI should be built for human needs, not just profit.
Pedro Conceição, who led the team behind the report, said, “The way we use AI in the coming years will shape the future of human progress. With smart policies, AI can open doors to knowledge and opportunity — whether you’re a farmer, a student, or a small business owner.”
The Global Picture
At its core, this isn’t a story about technology. It’s a story about people. AI isn’t some powerful robot taking over the world — it’s a tool, one that reflects the values and goals of the people who build and use it.
That’s why the UNDP is calling for stronger international cooperation, better rules for how AI is used, and a renewed commitment to fairness, dignity, and sustainability.
Conclusion: It’s Up to Us
The message is clear: AI won’t fix everything on its own. But if we make the right choices now — and ensure AI is developed to serve everyone, not just a few — it could help get human development back on track.
In other words, the future of progress isn’t just about machines. It’s still about us.
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