Latest news with #HumanDevelopmentIndex
Barnama
6 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
13MP Focuses On Uplifting Quality Of Life Through Inclusive Social Development
KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 (Bernama) -- The MADANI Government continues to prioritise inclusive and responsive social development in efforts to uplift the quality of life for the people under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). According to the document released by the Ministry of Economy today, efforts will be intensified through four key measures: tackling the cost-of-living burden, reengineering the social system based on Insan MADANI, improving quality of life and empowering target groups to achieve a decent standard of living. 'The floor-raising strategies and initiatives outlined in 13MP are expected to sustain full employment levels and increase the contribution of employee compensation to the Gross Domestic Product by 40 per cent in 2030. '…the strategies and initiatives can also contribute to Malaysia achieving the 25th position in the Human Development Index and a 60 per cent women's participation in the labour force after a decade of the introduction of the MADANI Economy framework,' read the document. In addressing the living cost burden, the government is focusing on the issue of rising food prices and will take a comprehensive approach to tackle it by upgrading infrastructure, strengthening the food supply chain and retail sector and providing platforms to enhance price transparency. 'Enforcement efforts will also be amplified, while relevant laws will be reviewed to curb price manipulation activities. '…initiatives to offer goods and services, particularly food products at affordable prices, such as the MADANI Rahmah Sale programme, will be expanded to include more suitable localities, especially in rural areas,' the document added. Through the Rakan KKM initiative, the government will enhance healthcare services, allowing private companies to obtain paid services at public healthcare facilities, according to the document, adding that health insurance and takaful products will be introduced to allow the public to access services at affordable rates. It also noted that more quality affordable housing will also be provided for low- and middle-income groups in urban areas through the Residensi MADANI and Residensi Rakyat programmes, in addition to the expansion of the rent-to-own scheme.
L'Orient-Le Jour
26-07-2025
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Blerta Aliko, UNDP resident representative to OT: Lebanon's recovery hinges on recovery of its people
BEIRUT — Appointed as the head of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Lebanon, Resident Representative Blerta Aliko took on her role a year ago, shortly before the escalation of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, which erupted on Oct. 8, 2023, into a full-scale war. Aliko began her career in her home country, Albania, and has worked within the United Nations system since 1996. She has experience in several settings and countries: conflict, mid-income and post-crisis recovery. Committed to gender equality and women's empowerment, Aliko held various positions within agencies such as UN Women, UNICEF, and served as the Resident Representative of UNDP in Algeria before relocating to Beirut. In an exclusive interview with L'Orient-Le Jour/Today, Aliko discusses the findings of a new joint report by several U.N. agencies (including the UNDP, U.N. ESCWA, UNICEF, ILO and U.N.-Habitat) on the socio-economic impact of Israel's war on Lebanon and emphasizes the need for reforms to support the country's recovery. On a socio-economic level, what impact did the war leave on Lebanon? Approximately 4,300 people have been killed by Israeli strikes, 30 percent of whom were women and children. Nearly 500,000 children saw their education disrupted for several months, and 362 schools were damaged – an impact that threatens to undermine Lebanon's education system and hinder the development of its future human capital. The country's Human Development Index (HDI) has fallen back to 2010 levels, effectively reversing over a decade of development efforts. On the economic front, the toll has been equally severe. An estimated 689,000 jobs were lost, representing a 25 percent decline in employment during the war, while 15 percent of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) were forced to shut down permanently. These figures do not account for the extensive damage sustained by productive infrastructure, including factories, farmlands and assets in the tourism sector. Lebanon's productive base has severely regressed and been paralyzed, which will have catastrophic consequences for the country's broader socio-economic development. What is the price of inaction, stalled reforms and the near-daily Israeli violations of the cease-fire for the country today? The fundamental cost of inaction is Lebanon's human capital. Unemployment rates are likely to rise further, and in a country with a young population, prolonged joblessness will inevitably push more people toward alternative means of income generation, such as migration, thereby exacerbating the ongoing brain drain. These trends are neither sustainable nor supportive of national recovery. Continued violations of the cease-fire and the stalling of reforms also risk eroding public trust in state institutions and the newly formed government, authorities in whom many had placed renewed hope. That optimism must be channeled into tangible results. Failure to do so could seriously undermine Lebanon's broader peace and security. What do you call on the government to do today to counter the lingering impact of the war and the multifaceted economic crisis? Lebanon's recovery hinges on the recovery of its people. If Lebanese citizens do not feel tangible improvements in their daily lives (basic services, job opportunities and overall living conditions), then we cannot speak of a recovery for Lebanon. Even if the country were to report economic growth, that growth must translate into real, lived improvements. I've seen firsthand how, in other countries, reported growth has failed to translate into practical improvements such as poverty reduction and meaningful job creation. For Lebanon, economic recovery must be planned in an inclusive way. In the report, we strongly emphasized that the first step toward meaningful recovery is rebuilding state institutions and restoring their core functions. A strong, capable state is essential, not only to deliver services efficiently and accountably, but also to ensure national ownership and serve its citizens with credibility. The second priority is jumpstarting the country's economic recovery. As I've mentioned, optimism and trust will only return when people begin to see and feel concrete results, such as access to jobs and equitable services like water, health and education. The third pillar is strengthening social protection and expanding assistance programs to curb rising poverty levels across all regions of Lebanon. Finally, reforming the financial sector is crucial, and financial inclusion is a top priority. Today, 80 percent of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) rely on access to financing, and this sector remains a vital engine for job and wealth creation. But with the banking sector paralyzed by delayed reforms, MSMEs can't get back on their feet or scale up at the necessary pace.
Miami Herald
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
U.N. warns Lebanon's at a ‘turning point,' faces prolonged crisis risk
BEIRUT, Lebanon, July 24 (UPI) -- The United Nations has warned that war-torn Lebanon is at "a turning point" and must undertake urgent and immediate recovery efforts to avoid prolonging its six-year multifaceted crisis that has been exacerbated by the recent Israel-Hezbollah war, according to a U.N. report released Thursday. The report, prepared by the United Nations Development Program and United Nations Economic and Social Council for Western Asia, in collaboration with other U.N. agencies, highlighted the devastating impact of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict -- that began Oct. 8, 2023, and escalated in September 2024 -- by examining its effects on Lebanon's economy, infrastructure and society. More than 4,285 people, including 292 children and 861 women, have been killed and some 17,200 wounded as of Jan. 9. Since the Nov. 27 cease-fire agreement took effect on Feb. 18, an additional 200 people, including civilians and Hezbollah operatives, also have been killed. The war, moreover, displaced over 1.2 million people, damaged or destroyed nearly 64,000 buildings and disrupted education for hundreds of thousands of students, according to the U.N. report. It indicated that micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, which make up 90% of Lebanon's economy, were hit especially hard: 15% shut down permanently, 75% suspended operations during the war and nearly 30% lost their entire workforce. In the most heavily bombed areas, up to 70% of businesses were forced to close permanently. Moreover, about 500,000 students experienced severe educational disruptions during the war, with 69% of children out of school until the cease-fire. Child nutrition also reached critical levels, particularly in the eastern Baalbek-Hermel and Bekaa governorates, where more than 51% and 45% of children under the age of 2, respectively, suffered from severe food shortages. Some 1.6 million people are expected to face high levels of acute food insecurity, including 928,000 Lebanese citizens, the report warned. The proportion of Lebanese citizens living below the poverty line more than tripled between 2012 and 2022 -- rising to 33% from 11% -- and that the 2024 war, particularly in eastern and southern Lebanon, further exacerbated poverty. Moreover, the war significantly deepened Lebanon's labor market crisis. During the conflict, employment among private sector workers declined by 25%. In the areas most heavily affected by bombardments, 36% of workers lost their jobs, compared to 17% in regions less impacted. Even after the cease-fire, 14% of workers remained unemployed. The report explained that the economic impact has been profound, with Lebanon's economy contracting by 38% between 2019 and 2024, while the country's Human Development Index fell back to 2010 levels; marking a 14-year setback caused by the compounded effects of the crisis and war. Key sectors of the economy have been severely affected, including tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, trade and finance. The tourism sector has taken a significant hit, with its contribution to the economy in 2024 expected to have declined to just 5.5%. "Lebanon is at a turning point," said Blerta Aliko, the resident representative of the U.N. Development Program in Lebanon, emphasizing the need for Lebanon to shape "a nationally led recovery plan." Aliko said it was imperative that "state institutions are strong and well-equipped" to drive a sustainable and inclusive recovery process. The report indicated that a reform-driven recovery could help reverse the economic decline, with projections estimating GDP growth of 8.2% in 2026 and 7.1% in 2027. However, even with these necessary reforms, GDP would remain 8.4% below its pre-crisis 2017 peak of $51.2 billion. To sustain recovery, key sectors such as agriculture, construction, tourism and manufacturing must be prioritized, it said. It recommends the Lebanese government to focus on four key areas for its recovery: rebuilding and strengthening state institutions; revitalizing the economy and generating employment; restoring basic services and expanding social protection; and rehabilitating damaged environmental ecosystems. Tarik Alami, the economic and social panel cluster leader on governance and prevention, said Lebanon continues to face a "polycrisis" that was made worse by the recent devastating war. "This critical juncture calls for the urgent and accelerated implementation of essential reforms; particularly within public administration, as well as across socio-economic and financial sectors," Alami said. He emphasized that "the root causes of recurring hostilities along Lebanon's southern border must be addressed decisively and sustainably," in full accordance with international law and relevant U.N. resolutions. The U.N. report noted that Lebanon's path to recovery requires urgent, coordinated action between the government, donors, U.N. agencies and non-governmental organizations, while substantial financing will be required from domestic resources, private sector investments, international development assistance and foreign direct investment. "Without immediate intervention, economic rebound will take longer, poverty will deepen, state institutions will further weaken and Lebanon's social stability will be at risk," it warned. Last March, the World Bank estimated that Lebanon would need $11 billion for its reconstruction and recovery needs after the Israel-Hezbollah war. However, any international or Arab financial support remains unlikely unless Lebanon implements the necessary reforms and fully disarms Hezbollah -- a condition Israel has set as a prerequisite for halting its ongoing attacks on the country. Copyright 2025 UPI News Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Business Recorder
22-07-2025
- Health
- Business Recorder
Isn't the fault actually in our stars?
While the world sets its sight on mars, Pakistan is moving in a backward trajectory. The latest Human Development Index (HDI) ranking speaks volume. According to the 2025 HDI ranking, Pakistan has dropped 4 places to 168 out of 193 countries, landing in the 'low human development' category. HDI shows the socio-economic development of a nation with its three major indicators: health, education, and living standards. The lower ranking of HDI means that all the mentioned indicators are in bad condition. Overall, the low HDI translates into poor economic growth in the future. Sadly, Pakistan is flattering in all the three indicators. How is a country supposed to develop when the coverage and quality of its education is below the threshold? Pakistan is one of the unfortunate countries where one-third of children are out of school — one of the highest figures globally, i.e., 26 million, and the number is burgeoning. Despite the twice declaration of government of an education emergency in 2024, no practical steps are taken in this regard. The country only spent 0.8 percent of its GDP on education, which is lowest in the whole region. The situation of higher education is also in a dismal state. Being the fifth most populous country in the world, and possessing one of the youngest populations, no university in the country has managed to enter the top 350 QS ranking. There is no environment of research and development in the country. In such a situation, how can one expect that the country will ascend the ladder of development? The youth is one of the determining factors of any country destiny however, the country is witnessing brain drain, with skilled professionals leaving the country in search of better opportunities. 'The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves'—W. Shakespeare The second main pillar of HDI is health. A healthy nation can work for the prosperity of a country. Regrettably, the health sector of the country paints an equally bleak picture. The expenditure on health is only 0.9 percent of GDP. With such low spending, how will the country cope with the problem of child stunting? The country is witnessing a very disturbing number — 40 percent of its children are stunted. The situation is further exacerbated by rising poverty in the country. A high fertility rate in the region, coupled with limited resources, leads to malnutrition and ultimately to premature mortality. According to UNICEF, 8 out of 10 children in the country do not receive the right quantity and type of food. The health sector is in complete doldrums— Basic medical supplies are often unavailable even in emergency wards, as I personally witnessed in a DHQ hospital in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The same situation also persists in other parts of the country. When the combined expenditure on health and education is only 1.7 percent of GDP, how can one expect a better living standard, which is the third pillar of the HDI? With exponential population growth, the already scarce resources are depleting at an unprecedented rate. The country, with its stressed economy, is facing high unemployment and inflation. According to the World Bank's new threshold of US$3 for the international poverty line, 44.7 percent of Pakistanis are poor, with 16.5 percent living in extreme poverty. The situation is further worsened by precarious housing availability, with a shortage of around 2.1 million units. These factors are contributing to declining living standards. In such circumstances, where food, health, and shelter are not adequately available to citizens, how is the country supposed to improve its HDI ranking? Economic growth remains a far cry in the wilderness in the absence of human development. If citizens receive the basic amenities of life, they will naturally divert their attention toward growth and prosperity. Our regional competitors are progressing on both human development and economic fronts. The fault, however, lies in our own neglect not in our stars. We have overlooked human development—and this is costing future generations. Without investing in human development, Pakistan's future is at risk. Economic growth and human development go hand in hand. The country cannot achieve anything without a significant investment in its people. There is a dire need for strong political will and commitment to prioritize human development. The Uraan Pakistan transformative initiative is a step in the right direction towards equity and empowerment. However, it success depends entirely on how effectively it is implemented. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
21-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Navigating Pakistan's debt quagmire through Islamic finance
Pakistan faces formidable economic headwinds amidst the dual debt challenges that threaten to undermine its progress. The nation's determination is being tested as it confronts the pressing issues of stagnant GDP growth, soaring unemployment, persistent inflation, and a lagging Human Development Index (HDI). Yet, within this crucible of challenge lies an opportunity for Pakistan to forge a new path forward, one that is guided by visionary leadership, innovative economic strategies, and a steadfast commitment to the well-being of its people. Pakistan's economic landscape is characterized by a substantial debt portfolio; with the country's total public debt obligations reaching a staggering USD 271.29 (PKR 76.01 trillion), as per the Economic Survey of Pakistan 2024-25. This monumental figure comprises USD 183.88 (PKR 51.52 trillion) in domestic debt, underscoring the government's significant reliance on internal borrowing, and USD 79.13 (PKR 24.49 trillion) in external debt (32.2% of the total), highlighting the country's exposure to global financial markets. However, the debt from IMF stands at USD 8.28 (PKR 2.319 trillion). The aggregate debt and liabilities have skyrocketed to a staggering USD 320.65 billion (PKR 89.834 trillion), underscoring the imperative for prudent fiscal management and strategic debt restructuring. Beyond the government's narrative of economic resurgence, anchored by a projected GDP growth rate of 2.7% in the forthcoming fiscal year, lies a far more pressing concern for the average citizen struggling to make ends meet. The quintessential question on everyone's mind is: how can Pakistan escape the grip of high inflation, unemployment (8.0), and an ever-increasing debt burden, which threatens to undermine the very fabric of the nation's economic stability and prosperity? The answer to this million-dollar question holds the key to unlocking a brighter future for 44.7 % of Pakistan's population (approx.107 millions) living below the poverty line, and it is imperative that policymakers and stakeholders work in tandem to devise effective solutions to alleviate these pressing economic challenges. The adoption of cash and asset-based Waqf, a time-tested Islamic financial instrument, presents a viable solution to Pakistan's economic conundrums. Waqf, as a socio-financial approach in Islam, refers to the dedication of property or wealth for religious or charitable purpose. With its roots in the prophetic era, Waqf has evolved over centuries, demonstrating remarkable resilience and efficacy. During the Caliphate period, Umayyad and Mamluk eras, and notably, the Ottoman Empire, Waqf played a pivotal role in fostering economic growth, social welfare, and infrastructure development. By leveraging Waqf's potential, Pakistan can unlock new avenues for sustainable development, poverty alleviation, and economic stability, thereby harnessing the power of Islamic finance to drive inclusive growth and prosperity. Waqf stands as a shining cornerstone of Islamic finance, with its landscape in numerous countries. From the oil-rich nations of Qatar and Saudi Arabia to the vibrant economies of Malaysia and Indonesia, Waqf has been successfully integrated into diverse financial ecosystems. Singapore, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates have also harnessed its potential, showcasing Waqf's versatility and impact. As a testament to its enduring value, Waqf continues to inspire innovative financial solutions, fostering economic growth, social welfare, and sustainable development worldwide. By combining the redistributive power of cash and asset-based financing of Waqf with Zakat, visionary nations have synergized the potent forces. By harmonizing these two pillars of Islamic finance, countries have created a powerful framework for poverty alleviation, economic empowerment, and sustainable development. This strategic fusion has yielded remarkable outcomes, demonstrating the immense potential of integrated Zakat and Waqf models. In a compelling critique of conventional financial frameworks, the book 'Beyond the IMF (2024)' masterfully articulated the limitations of traditional financial paradigms, paving the way for a revolutionary concept: the Muslim Common Waqf. This visionary idea, coupled with Pakistan's pioneering National Waqf Common Pool, offers a beacon of hope for Muslim countries seeking greater financial autonomy and self-sufficiency. By harnessing the collective potential of Waqf, nations can break free from the shackles of sovereign and domestic financial dependency; unlock new avenues for economic growth and prosperous future. As Pakistan's debt trajectory hurtles towards a precarious PKR 87 trillion by FY 2026, the imperative for innovative debt management strategies has never been more pressing. To avert this financial precipice, it is crucial to devise visionary plans that can effectively mitigate the debt burden, unlock new revenue streams, and catalyze sustainable economic growth. As the Government of Pakistan contemplates the privatization of 24 State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), a critical question arises: can the nation's economic sovereignty be compromised for the sake of fiscal expediency? Allowing foreign entities and potentially hostile interests to assume control of strategic assets would be a perilous gamble, undermining the country's economic autonomy. The resounding answer is a thunderous 'NO!' to the wholesale privatization of vital SOEs. The establishment of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) marks a significant milestone in Pakistan's economic reform agenda. By providing a platform for streamlined facilitation and coordination, SIFC aims to foster a conducive investment environment, attracting both B2B and G2G investments. This initiative is expected to yield substantial benefits, including enhanced economic activity, job creation, and accelerated growth, ultimately contributing to the nation's long-term economic prosperity. We harbor boundless optimism and soaring aspirations for the SIFC, envisioning it as a transformative catalyst that will unlock Pakistan's vast economic potential. In tandem with its economic reform initiatives, Pakistan can shatter the shackles of crippling domestic debt, amounting to PKR 51.52 trillion, a staggering 67.8% of the total debt burden by unlocking the potential of Waqf. By harnessing the transformative power of the Waqf Fund (WF), the nation can envision a debt-free future, liberated from the weight of internal borrowing. Well beyond a financial mechanism, strategic mobilization of Waqf assets is a farsighted way to fiscal sustainability, inclusive growth, and intergenerational equity. Leveraging this Islamic economic instrument could not only alleviate the short-term budget pressure but also restore public confidence, advance socio-economic justice, and propel long-term national strength. With proper policy commitment and institutional setup, Waqf is poised to emerge as a game-changer and revolutionary pillar of Pakistan's economic rejuvenation which turns tradition into transformation, and religion into a bedrock of sustainable prosperity. (The writer is PhD (Management) from PBS-UPM, Malaysia. Policy Researcher / Policy Analyst and a writer of Political Economy of Bureaucracy in Pakistan-2020)Email:[email protected] Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
