Rethinking human development

Background

In the 30 years since the UN’s first Human Development Report was published in 1990, our world has changed dramatically.

Humanity faces ongoing and impending crises on all fronts – ecological, health, political and economic. Driven by new technology, socio-political developments and profound environmental changes, the ways in which we understand ourselves, our connections to local and global societies and to our planet itself have been upended.

This calls for a fundamental rethinking of human development. To take on this challenge, the ISC has partnered with the UN Development Programme (UNDP).

Activities and impact

The Rethinking Human Development project includes a critical review of the human development paradigm to reflect an evolving landscape. It provides a conceptual framework to guide analysis, measurement and decision-making to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

• March – June 2020: Global consultation to gather insight from experts with diverse disciplinary and geographical backgrounds, as well as an open call for broader community input.
• November 2020: A global relay of webinars, starting on World Science Day and continuing into 2021, at the international level as well as focusing on regions including Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia-Pacific and elsewhere.
• November 2020: Release of the “Conversations on Rethinking Human Development” publication and multimedia project, which built on ideas gathered in the global consultation. The multimedia report won a prestigious Lovie award for ‘website craft and best writing’.
• 2021 – onwards: In its current, second phase, the project is exploring how to rethink the measurement of human development, while using innovative, inclusive methodologies to gather new narratives and voices.

Get involved

For more info or to get involved, contact Megha Sud, ISC Science Officer.