UNDP’s 2025 Human Development Report Calls for People-Centred Approach to AI in Development

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has released its 2025 Human Development Report (HDR), titled “A matter of choice: People and possibilities in the age of AI.” Released on 6 May, the report explores the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on human development and calls for a shift toward more inclusive, people-focused strategies in the face of rapid technological change.

The report presents AI as a transformative force already reshaping economies, societies, and individual lives. It emphasizes that the world is at a turning point where decisions made today about AI will define the future of development. UNDP notes that this technological transition offers abundant choices—and that making thoughtful, inclusive choices is both a reflection of human development and a way to advance it.

According to global surveys and data presented in the report, people around the world are open to reimagining development in a way that embraces technology while addressing inequality. The report stresses that while AI brings vast potential, it also poses risks, particularly in deepening existing divides if access and benefits are not shared equitably.

UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner said, “Amidst this global turmoil, we must urgently explore new ways to drive development. As Artificial Intelligence continues its rapid advance across so many aspects of our lives, we should consider its potential for development.” He acknowledged that although AI is not a cure-all, the emerging capabilities present new pathways for human progress.

The report outlines how AI can support critical areas such as healthcare, education, and economic opportunity. From enabling personalized learning to improving public service delivery and empowering small business owners, AI can serve as a powerful tool for inclusion—if guided by the right policies and frameworks.

Pedro Conceição, Director of UNDP’s Human Development Report Office, noted that the legacy of AI will depend on the decisions made now. “The choices we make in the coming years will define the legacy of this technological transition for human development. With the right policies and focus on people, AI can be a crucial bridge to new knowledge, skills and ideas that can empower everyone from farmers to small business owners,” he said.

The 2025 HDR concludes with a call to action for governments, institutions, and global leaders to prioritize digital inclusion, invest in skills, and develop ethical governance structures. As AI continues to evolve, the report urges a collective commitment to ensuring that technological progress translates into shared human advancement. In this pivotal moment, the UNDP reminds us that the future of AI should not just be about innovation, but about the choices humanity makes to ensure it benefits all.