UN just conducted their annual Human Development Index (HDI) on 200 countries. Out of the 200, Canada ranked ninth best country to live in.
The top ten countries are Norway, Australia, Switzerland, Denmark, Netherlands, Germany, Ireland, United states and Canada tied with New Zealand, in order.
The HDI aims to measure longevity, education (with two indicators) and income.
Under longevity are data on health and life expectancy and maternal and infant mortality rates. Under education are public expenditure for education and research and development expenditure. Female representation in government and carbon dioxide emissions are also recorded and analyzed.
The top ten countries might not be removed from ranks anytime soon but the good news for the lesser-developed countries is their exceptional progress. The report states that, “Every region of the world has seen Human Development Index (HDI) gains.”
The Human Development report, based from the Human Development Index show the progress made over the last 25 years. It reports that an estimate of 2 billion people were able to move from low human development and extreme income poverty was reduced by more than 1 billion. This is based on Congo, Ghana and Namibia which moved up and out of said category.
The report also deals deeper in work and employment related human development as well as the evolution of work, gender imbalances, sustainable work opportunities and policy options and regulation of each country.
Selim Jahan, director of the UNDP Human Development Report office, and lead author of the report, says, “We are looking at the changing world of work.” The report takes into account the broader notion of work, which goes beyond the limits of a job. This includes unpaid care work, creative work and voluntary work aside from traditional jobs data.
In a pinch, the report states that work enhances human development. The term ‘work’ is changing very fast due to globalization and digital revolution. Sustainable work is critical, it enhances human development at the same time providing sustainability. Men are still dominating paid work and women in unpaid work, making gender balances pronounced. And lastly, strategic policy options are integral to work, and in turn, to human development.