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Human Development Report 1992

Global Dimensions of Human Development

The world has a unique opportunity to use global markets for the benefit of all nations and all people. The 2002 Report looks at the workings of these global markets - at how they meet, or fail to meet, the needs of the world's poorest people.

The outcome of this task highlights a serious problem: the richest 20% of the population now receives 150 times the income of the poorest 20%.

While supplementing the analysis of domestic policy issues, this Report attempts to place global markets in proper perspective.

It suggests a two-pronged strategy to get out of the dilemma of equitable distribution. First, making massive investments in their people and strengthening national technological capacity can enable some developing countries to acquire a strong competitive edge in international markets (witness the East Asian industrializing tigers). Second there should be basic international reforms, including restructuring the Bretton Woods institutions, setting up setting up a Development Security council within the United Nations, and convening a World Summit on Social Development to consider a global compact for all nations and all people.

The Report suggests that:

  • Markets are the means, human development is the end;
  • The issue is not only how much growth, but what kind of growth;
  • Improving the distribution of knowledge and skills is a manageable proposition;
  • It is essential to combine global efficiency with global equity; and
  • Global reforms are a complement to - not a substitute for - determined national action.

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