Moldova retains 86th place among 193 countries and territories in the Human Development Index (HDI), - UNDP
This follows from the Human Development Report, which the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) published on May 6. The index assesses national progress in health, education and living standards, and the position in the ranking reflects data for 2022-2023. In 2023, Moldova's HDI indicator is 0.785, which places the country in the high human development category. At the same time, since 2005, Moldova's HDI has increased by 11.8%. In particular, over the year, Moldova has improved both the overall HDI and separately for women and men. Herewith, the gender development index decreased, as did the gender inequality index, and the losses due to inequality in percentage terms decreased slightly. The multidimensional poverty indicators and the social norms index remained unchanged. UNDP notes that despite multiple crises, Moldova maintains a steady trajectory of progress in human development. “Since 2005, the HDI value has increased by 11.8%, reflecting improvements in health, education and living standards. However, inequalities persist: Moldova’s HDI decreases by 8.4% when adjusted for inequalities, reaching 0.719 in 2023. Gender disparities also remain a focus. Moldova’s Gender Development Index is 1.029 (versus 1.033 in 2022), one of the highest in the Europe and Central Asia region, but challenges in ensuring equal opportunities and representation across all sectors remain. Moreover, in 2023, Moldova’s Gender Inequality Index is 0.146, ranking 42nd out of 172 countries,” the report says. UNDP notes that the Human Development Report 2025 examines the impact of artificial intelligence on economies and highlights the need to consciously manage the transformative potential of AI so that it supports, rather than undermines, human development. It is noted that people are not mere spectators in the age of AI. “If technological breakthroughs are not accompanied by effective governance, they can exacerbate inequalities and reinforce existing imbalances in access to power and opportunity. However, with adequate investment in education, digital infrastructure and inclusive innovation, countries like Moldova can use AI to advance sustainable development,” the report says. It also emphasizes that without effective policies, AI can lead to labor market displacement, biased data and excessive concentration of power, so proactive governance is critical. “Moldova is at a turning point, and the policy decisions made today will determine how technology will serve people tomorrow,” said UNDP Resident Representative in Moldova Daniela Gasparikova. UNDP works closely with national partners to ensure that digital transformation, including the integration of AI, strengthens the shared vision of sustainable development, she said. // 06.05.2025 — InfoMarket
