Pandemic left much of the world on lower human development trajectory
Global inequalities in recovery from pandemic exacerbate by other challenges like climate change and political divisions, according to recent U.N. report.
- Bilawal Riaz
- 1 min read

A recent U.N. report highlights that while affluent nations have mostly recovered from the pandemic’s impacts on overall well-being, many poorer countries, like Nigeria and Pakistan, still lag behind pre-pandemic levels. The global Human Development Index indicates a concerning trend of a “rich man, poor man” recovery, with disparities widening. The report stresses the urgent need for global cooperation to address challenges like climate change and political divisions, exacerbated by a surge in armed conflicts globally. Issues such as economic inequality, political polarization, and a lack of citizen influence on government decisions are threatening human development progress. The report calls for a reformed approach to globalization, emphasizing the importance of addressing environmental issues and supporting developing nations with high levels of debt.