Meaning of human development (what is it, concept and definition)

What is Human Development:

As human development is called the process by which a society, from economic development, comprehensively improving the living conditions of its members.

In this sense, human development means not only that individuals have sufficient resources to cover their basic needs, but also that they have access to health and education systems, adequate levels of personal security, full political and cultural liberties, as well such as the ability to cultivate their interests and develop their productive and creative potential, among other things.

Hence, precisely one of the fundamental objectives of human development is to create the favorable conditions for people to enjoy a wide range of opportunities (employment, education, productive development), in addition to being able to lead a life they value, in accordance with their expectations and capabilities.

In this way, human development also means quality of life, active participation in decisions that affect our environment, opportunities to develop our capacities to the maximum, and respect for human rights and the dignity of life.

The human development goes beyond the level of income or wealth of the economy considered as such. Rather, it focuses on the wealth of a nation's most important resource: human capital.

The human development is one of the goals of the millennium proposed by the United Nations (UN). In this sense, the body in charge of coordinating policies and efforts around the world on the issue of human development is precisely the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), which also periodically presents the World Annual Report on Human Development. This report presents statistical data that calculates, according to different indicators, the level of human development in contrast to the level of multidimensional poverty throughout the world.

See also:

• Development. Human Development Index (HDI). Social development.