The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Global Human Development Report (HDR) 2011 was unveiled in Vientiane on Tuesday.

Laos has seen a 39 percent rise in its HDI ranking since the first HDR was published in 1990.

Critically there has also been an improvement in the inequality-adjusted HDI, with Laos moving up six places to 107 out of 134 countries covered in the report, which is titled ‘Sustainability and Equity: A Better Future for All’.

However, hard-won gains in least developed countries such as Laos could be slowed or even reversed by environmental threats. These will affect the poorest people the hardest and could further widen the inequality gap in nations like Laos, the report states.

Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Dr Bounthavy Sisouphanthong presented the findings yesterday alongside UNDP Resident Representative in Laos Mr Minh Pham at a ceremony held in Vientiane.

The HDR has significantly contributed to development at all levels, with the 2011 report raising the issue of environmental degradation.

“I hope that this HDR will help our policy decision makers to formulate the most appropriate and environmentally friendly development policy to ensure that Lao people really benefit from sustainable development,” Dr Bounthavy said.

He added that with the launch of national HDRs in 1998, the concept of human development has been aligned with the Lao government’s national socio-economic development plans.

Mr Minh Pham praised the development gains achieved in the country and highlighted the impressive economic growth. Yet, to achieve human development, he said, all Lao people must benefit. However, there is still a way to go because of persistent income generation, gender imbalances and environmental destruction, all of which places a double burden of deprivation on the poorest households and communities.

“The large majority of Lao people still live and work in rural areas. Their dependence on natural resources for food and income further raises the stakes in enforcing environmental preservation.”

Human development is about creating an environment in which people can develop their full potential and lead productive and creative lives. It is about expanding the choices people have to lead lives that they value.

The HDI is calculated by taking into account the combined indicators of life expectancy, education and income.

The HDI statistics, as a result, cover both social and economic development. The inequality-adjusted HDI was first introduced in 2010 and reflects inequality in every aspect addressed by the HDI.

The global HDR is published annually with national reports produced every four years. The last report for Laos was launched in 2010 and was titled ‘Employment and Livelihoods’.