On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, the United Nations Development Program (PNUD) released its annual Human Development Index (IDH) report, revealing that Brazil has made significant strides in its global ranking. The country has risen five positions to 84th place among 193 nations, with an IDH score of 0.786, classified as high human development. This marks an improvement from the previous year when Brazil was ranked 89th with an IDH of 0.780.
The IDH, which measures a country's progress based on life expectancy, education, and income per capita, reflects the well-being of its citizens. Brazil's recent advancements can be attributed primarily to increases in gross national income per capita and improvements in health indicators. Life expectancy at birth has risen from 74.87 years to 75.85 years, the highest recorded in Brazil's history, surpassing the previous peak of 75.81 years in 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite these positive developments, the PNUD report highlights ongoing challenges, particularly in the education sector. The average years of schooling in Brazil have stagnated at 8.43 for three consecutive years since 2021, which is considered low for a country with a high IDH. This stagnation in educational attainment underscores the difficulties Brazil faces in providing equal access to quality education, contributing to the country's internal disparities.
Brazil's ranking is further complicated by social inequalities that persist across different regions. When adjusted for inequality, Brazil's IDH falls to 0.594, dropping its position to 105th globally. This stark contrast illustrates the gap between national averages and the realities faced by many citizens, particularly in poorer regions. The report indicates that municipalities in the South and Southeast generally enjoy better access to health, education, and income than those in the North and Northeast, a long-standing issue that has yet to be resolved.
In the broader context of Latin America, Brazil continues to lag behind several countries. Chile ranks 45th with an IDH of 0.878, followed by Argentina at 47th (0.865) and Uruguay at 48th (0.862). The global leaders in the IDH ranking include Iceland (0.972), Norway (0.970), Switzerland (0.970), Denmark (0.962), and Germany (0.959). The lowest-ranked countries are South Sudan (0.388), Somalia (0.404), Central African Republic (0.414), Chad (0.416), Niger (0.419), and Mali (0.419).
Achim Steiner, one of the PNUD coordinators, emphasized the need for urgent action to address the unprecedented slowdown in human development observed globally. The report indicates that the world had anticipated a solid recovery following the pandemic, but the latest findings reveal fragile progress, with the slowest growth in IDH since the early 1990s. Steiner warned that if this trend continues into 2024, the goal of achieving high human development by 2030 could become unattainable, leading to a more divided and vulnerable world.
In light of these challenges, the report identifies artificial intelligence (AI) as a potential catalyst for revitalizing human development indicators. Steiner noted, "In the midst of this global turbulence, we urgently need to explore new ways to encourage development. As AI continues to advance rapidly in many aspects of our lives, we must consider the potential it represents." He believes that the choices made today could reignite human development and open new pathways for progress.
A PNUD survey included in the report revealed that half of respondents believe their jobs will be automated. However, 60% anticipate a positive impact from AI on the job market, expecting it to create new opportunities and professions that do not currently exist. Even in countries with low or medium IDH, two-thirds of respondents expect these new technologies to influence sectors like education, health, and employment within the next year.
The report advocates for a "human-centered" approach to AI, proposing actions such as creating economies where people collaborate with new technologies rather than compete against them, and modernizing education and health systems to meet the demands of the 21st century. Pedro Conceição, another PNUD director, stated, "The choices we make in the coming years will define the legacy of this technological transition for human development. With the right policies and a focus on people, AI can be a crucial bridge to new knowledge, skills, and ideas that empower everyone."
In summary, while Brazil's rise in the Human Development Index reflects notable improvements in income and health, the country still grapples with significant challenges, particularly in education and social inequality. As the global landscape evolves, the integration of AI into development strategies may hold the key to overcoming these obstacles and achieving a more equitable future.
