Launch of the Global Human Development Report 2020

Good morning Excellencies, Ladies & Gentlemen. Thank you for your participation in the launch of the Human Development Report 2020 today.

This launch emphasized that: Our human actions – particularly our dependence on fossil fuels and material consumption – are driving climate change, biodiversity collapse, ocean acidification, air and water pollution, and land degradation. We are destabilizing the very systems that we need to survive at unprecedented speed and scale.

The emergence of COVID-19 is linked to the relentless pressure humanity is placing on wildlife and the planet.

COVID-19 has exposed a host of structural issues resulting from the vulnerability of our planetary and socio-economic systems that we have relied on. And yet, COVID-19 has also shown us the opportunities moving forward. The pandemic crisis can be turned into an opportunity, just as Dr Mey Kalyan emphasized when he raised the importance of working together. The whole of society response needed to defeat COVID-19 is the same whole of society response needed to address the Anthropocene, the damage that humans have done to the planet.

In this regard, COVID-19 underlines the essence of re-imagining our social and economic systems that can ensure that the futures of our next generations are protected. That means that human rights, its principles, norms and values, are embedded in systems that can ensure that people, especially vulnerable groups, are protected and the environment and planet earth are safeguarded.

Hence, to build the economy back better, it is vitally important to invest in transformative socio-economic systems based on the principles of inclusiveness, sustainability and resilience. What the report raises as well, and this response to Dr Ponlok’s interventions, that there is a need to take an adaptive or learning-by-doing quality, fueled by broad innovations, anchored in deliberate and shared decision making, and strengthened by a mix of incentives and regulations. Business as usual will no longer work. Technology and innovations matter. This speaks to Sabrani Roy’s interventions as well.

In this regard, the PHDI, the adjustment factor, is a welcome innovation.  A nature-based human development index also offers the opportunity to leapfrog progress, with innovation, efficiency and equity.  The three core pillars of human development are capabilities, agency and values. As Sabrani emphasized, we need to change what we value. Moving away from GDP-centric measurement of growth will be one way.

As emphasized by Dr Kalyan, the same solidarity that is required to successfully overcome COVID-19 is the same solidarity required to ensure that human and planetary well-being is achieved.

I am happy that Ivan confirms that SDGs remain a relevant roadmap for humanity.  They encompass almost every aspect of human and planetary well-being and, if met, will promote a stable and prosperous life for every person and ensure the health of the planet.

Thank you.