The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in its 'Human Development Report 2011' has placed Nepal in 157th position out of 187 countries with an increase in index from 0.428 in 2010 to 0.458 in 2011.

The report with the theme' Equity and Sustainability: A Better Future for All' was lunched by Deependra Bahadur Kshetry, Vice Chairman of National Planning Commission (NPC), stated that development progress in the world's poorest countries could be halted or even reversed by mid-century unless bold steps are taken now to tackle with climate change, prevent further environmental damage and reduce deep inequalities within and among nations.

“It is critical that equity is integrated into development policies, programmes and approaches at global, regional and community levels so that already excluded and deprived communities and individuals are not left farther behind,” report says.

The report further states that the importance of understanding the links between sustainability and equity is especially relevant to Nepal which has seen increases in inequality even when poverty reduction has been significant.

The report also pointed out that development gains that Nepal has experienced in the past decade have not benefited all Nepalese equitably as some social groups continue to fall far behind the national average.

Similarly, gender inequality index focuses on women's participation in political decision making, highlighting that women lag across the world, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and the Arab states.

Norway ranks first in the development index while African country Congo appears at the bottom.

The HDI measures the average achievements in a country in three basic dimensions of human development - a long and healthy life, access to knowledge and a decent standard of living.

The UNDP started releasing the annual report by reviewing the UN member states' national achievement in health, education and income since 1990. nepalnews.com

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