Real Development transforms people lives, not just economic statistics
1. Introduction:
Thesis statement: Humanitarian development along with growth at
socio-economic-political fronts promises prosperity and happiness to
people. Economic growth alone is an illusion.
Or
Actual development lies in transforming the lives of people towards
prosperity, and it must accompany socio-political concerns besides
economic number. It should be sustainable and inclusive at humanitarian
fronts
2. What is the meaning of real development that transforms people
lives?
Real development is characterized by:
a) Democratic institutions
b) Sanctity of Human Rights
c) Inclusive socio-economic justice
3. How to differentiate the real development with just economic
development?
a) Scholarly debate
• John Locke concept of free economy for human
development
• Socrates and Plato on Real development
b) SDG are well articulated on real development
c) Development should be sustainable and inclusive
d) It should accompany socio-political concerns
4. So how to gauge the real development through global indicators?
a) Human Development Index
b) Poverty Index
c) Prosperity Index
d) Corruption Index by Transparency International
e) World Happiness Index
f) Modern slavery Index
g) Freedom of Press Index
h) Democracy Index
i) Report of UNESCO and UNDP
5. Real development promises quality life to people, not just the
economic statistics.
Real development lies in transforming the lives of people
o At Global Levels:
a) Great economies when devoid of Humanitarian Development ensued into
global crisis instead of transforming people lives.
b) Global stock exchange is expanding, yet terrorism and extremism is
spreading
c) Global Economies under globalization promoting global inequalities. It
means just economies do not guarantee quality life
o At state Levels:
d) India is an emerging economy, yet among the top ten countries which are
worst for women
e) The USA is a global hegemony by its economic and military strengths,
yet intolerant society
f) The UK is a great economy, yet engaged in modern slavery
g) World’s second economy, china, and issue of freedom of expression
h) Scandinavian countries are happiest among the world despite their small
economies
i) Big economies do not promise peace despite great militaries when
Iceland is at good position on GPI despite no military and small economy
j) Candia and New Zealand are prosperous country despite small economies
as compared Brazil and India
k) Notwithstanding rich Oil economies of Middle East, these states lack
freedom of Expression and poor in gender equality
6. What path should Pakistan follow in the light of above discussion?
Endeavour towards real development.
7. What does hinder the real development to take place?
a) Grossly neglecting and untapping human resource potentials
b) Inadequate skills in technical and managerial sectors
c) Fractured educational system
d) Weak institutional mechanism for the provision of social needs
e) Irrational public investment and short-sighted policy making
f) Unchecked demographic changes like population explosion and
urbanization
g) Realpolitik and national interest at global level
8. What should be the pragmatic approach to realize the real
development by transforming the lives of people?
a) Reforms ought to be made in human resource development through
formal or informal education
b) Vocational schools and training should be held to develop skills
c) Sustainable and meticulous policy making should be done for
reforms in education sector
d) Institutions must be strengthened with robust leadership and strict
accountability
e) Policy at national levels should be formulated at both short term
and long-term basis and must accompany human development
f) Human should be intellectually developed to understand rising
population issues
g) The UN should play its proactive role for global governance
towards real development through UNESCO and UNDP.
h) The recommendation from leading NGOs and the UN bodies
towards real development should be implemented at national level
via proper legislation
i) Economic developments should be social sensitive
9. conclusion
The economic stability, no doubt, speaks volume of its importance in this global
world, and turning the economic table around is considered as a tremendous job.
however, economic stability alone does not provide prosperous life to people,
unless it is accompanied by social development. There must be sustainability at
political fronts besides firm belief on the sanctity of human rights. The real
development lies in transforming the people lives. It has been explicitly indicated
by the Strategic Development Goals of the UN. All the goals under SDGs are
inclined towards social development, and issues related to democracy and
governance. It is because, globe is moving towards economic stability without
giving due emphasises to social development and humanitarian growth. Markets
are expanding with exploitation of third world countries at global level. Similarly,
states are doing great at economic fronts, yet their people are suffering from
epidemics, droughts, and other social setbacks. Had just economic stability
defined real development, hegemonic economies would have been ranked topped
at social indicators, but this is not case. This is because, economic uplift is given
priority over real development by neglecting human resource development.
Therefore, to measure real development, number of indicators have been
developed by NGOs and state policy makers to measure the real development for
the human uplift. Hence, efforts have been made both at state and at global levels
to bring economy in line with socio-politico growth and human development as
real development underpinned by human development.
Before going directly on the arguments that provide evidences on this fact that
real development lies in the transformation of people, it is pertinent here to grasp
the underlaying base of real development. So, what is actually meant by ‘real development’? real development is an inclusive and extensive term, it includes
human development from social fronts to empowerment to freedom of
expression. It further embraces human security. Human security is well described
in a book, “Globalization of World Politics”. It is a freedom from fear. Fear, yet
again, is an inclusive term, it means freedom from the fear of hunger, freedom
from the fear of poverty, freedom from the fear of political exploitation.
Human security also takes in economic security, environmental security, health
security, food security, community security. Besides human security, real
development should provide democratic culture along with good governance
norms. It must guarantee gender equality, expedient justice, and social order. Real
development ought to enlightened the minds of people. Although, main
arguments are yet to be furnished with statistics from the world political
landscape, yet concept of “human security” itself provide reflection of what
should be the meaning of real development?
Economic stability is very crucial to social growth and human development, but
just attaining economic stability does not guarantee actual and real development
as mentioned above. Subsequent few lines would further enlighten this different.
The great philosopher, Socrates, explained the real development in term of “well-
being” of society. As per him, a society based on reason and human development
could only be considered as a real development. Similarly, Plato talked about
mind development through education and moral ethics. John Locke, an
enlightenment scholar, thought that every human was born with some natural
rights and provision of these rights is only the real development.
Since the inception of history, scholar explained economic stability with social
and human sensitive mirrors. Even in this era, the SDGs, a UNDP’s vision 2030,
speak loud of the concept of real development. Among the seventeen goals,
fifteen goals directly address the social development. It includes poverty
eradication, Huger security, environmental safety, good governance and
democracy, sustained community, etc. The goal of “economic growth” under
SGDs are even social sensitive. Why does greatest global body set its goals based
on social development and sanctity of human rights? It is, yet another, indirect
indication to this fact that real development does not just lie in economic statistics,
but in fact, in social and human landscapes.
As the concept of real development has been clarified at length, and purpose of
economic health has also been explained in term of social development, now it
begs a question that how exactly can social indicators be measured in this global
world? It takes one to global social indicators. All the indicators will be concisely
addressed, because without their understanding, grasping the idea of real development is not possible, especially when discussed at global or state levels
in subsequent arguments.
To start with, Human Development Index (HDI), it is a survey based on three
indicators: life expectance, number of years of education, and GNI per capita.
These three social indicators can be rephrased as healthy life, knowledge or
human mind development, and a decent lifestyle of an individual. The more the
HDI, the more it reflects real development and prosperity of people. Similarly,
Prosperity Index (PI), further, take in social wellbeing of future, and talks about
real joy with friendly relationship. Personal potentialities and their realization are
also measured under PI. Another social indicator Human Happiness Index (HHI)
also measures global happiness and satisfaction of immigrants
Moreover, world has Corruption Index, it depicts bribery and other corrupt
practices at national level. For a real development, CI should be lower, because
in a corrupt society, people suffer one way or the other. Real development should
safeguard people from exploitation. Then there is a Modern Slavery Index (MSI),
it includes sexual exploitation of the weak, forced labour, forced marriages, and
domestic servitude. Furthermore, Democracy Index (DI) determines democratic
values at the state level. Freedom of Press Index finds out freedom of expression.
Then there are couple of reports and reached publications from world bodies and
NGOs like Amnesty International or Doctors without Boarders to determine the
real development as mentioned above in term of social and human development.
These indices and reports also help governments in policy formulation to arrest
the social evils towards a prosperous social setup. As it has been seen above from
the practices of world bodies that real development is, in fact, to make the lives
of people prosperous; now, lets have a look at global and state levels to back these
statements with existing and practical statistics.
To begin with, there is no denying the fact that after ‘Industrial Revolution’,
Europe was a great economy, then they engaged in world’s devastating wars-
WW1 and WW2- which threw the whole Europe in shambles. Million of people
died along with heavy material loss. These were great economies, yet they were
not able to protect their people. Because, they just believed on economic statistics,
not on the sanctity of human rights. What kind of economic development was that
which ensued into the death of million of people? It means realization of human
rights is the real development, provision of human security is the real
development.
Further, with the turn of 21th century and globalization, one can see great
improvement at the market and economies. For example, global stock exchange has grown into trillion of dollars, yet issues of terrorism and civil wars are
increasing. After the attack of 9/11, terrorism and civil wars are increased twice
then numbers, it had during cold war. Moreover, global business is increasing,
but, unfortunately with increasing inequalities. For instance, more than 7400
MNCs have made inroads in global landscape, but the poverty and mal-nutrition
of Sub-Sahara Africa are yet to be eradicated. So, can one put these economic
development as real developments? Would it not be prudent to look beyond
economics to the social indicators? Had sincere efforts were made at global level
to remove inequalities, world would have been come out as a more prosperous
place. In a nutshell, real development is the need of hour
Now, look at the state conditions. The USA is, unanimously, hailed as a greatest
economy, it means it should be at the top of Human Development Index, Human
Happiness Index, and Prosperity Index; and lower at Corruption Index. But,
ironically, the US is at 13th place on HDI, a survey conducted in 2018, and on the
contrary, Norway, a far smaller economy as compared to the USA, ranked as first
on the list.
Furthermore, Indian is considered as 5th largest economy in the world. But, to the
disappointment of those who think economic statistics as real development, it is
also ranked as the top most country dangerous for free movement of women
owing to reported rape cases. The World Most Dangerous Countries for Women,
a research conducted by The Reuters, placed India on the top of its list. This
paradox, yet again, speaks volumes of real development and its close link with
human development instead of economic development.
The UK is also a big economy, yet it is suffering from modern slavery. The
Modern Slavery Index, 2017, showed serious reservation on the economy of the
UK which was severely affected by sexual exploitation, forced criminality, etc to
fulfil the material needs. Would just economy wade away the sufferings of
people?
Let’s not forget China, it is an emerging economy and fastest growing economy
with the rate of around 20% per year, yet it cracks down on freedom of
expression. As per the report of Press Freedom Index 2018, China is placed at
176th number, far below than even Pakistan and Bangladesh. China is the biggest
economy of Asia, yet, falls below the all the countries of Asia. Yet again, just
economic statistics are unable to make China to perform well on Press Freedom
Index, because freedom of speech is a national human right and it is a part of real
development. In the continent of Europe, despite big economies of Germany and France,
Scandinavian countries secures top positions on different social indicators and
human development surveys. For instance, Norway secured first position on HDI
2018, while Switzerland at on the top of Prosperity Index. Denmark is at the top
of World Justice Project- a survey conducted to measure the dispensation of
justice- 2017.
Moreover, it is said that military strengths secure peace at the state level and at
the global level. Therefore, states purse military activities and spend all the
monies to gain superiority at military fronts. But, paradoxically, highly
militarized countries are at the danger of terrorism and these states are ranked
lower on Global Peace indicators. For example, Iceland maintained its first
position on Global Peace Indicator in the last 10 years, while the top 20 countries
with military strengths falls behind it. Additionally, Finland is positioned first on
the Human Happiness Index 2018, despite its small economy. Therefore,
pursuance of economic strengths just for military gains at the cost of human
development is not a real development.
In addition to above, the economies of Canada and New Zealand are smaller
compared to the economies of India and Brazil. The GDP indicators are of India
is far larger than that of New Zealand, yet the latter ranks second on Global Peace
Index as compare to former at 136th number. Even China and the US are down in
100s as compared to small more than 100 small economies.
Similarly, last but not the least, the oil economies of Saudi Arabia and Qatar are
petrodollar economies with high purchasing power even per capita, but freedom
of expression is denied there. These authoritarian states have good economic
statistics; having said that, they are lowest on the Democracy Index and Gender
Equality Index.
From the above discussion, it can be said that, not with standing good economic
statistics, countries fail to deliver to their people. They are falling low in couple
of social indicators because of their poor performance in human development.
There is malnutrition in South Africa, poor education system in India, bad
democratic values in oil economies of Middle East, ethnic conflicts in the US,
and crack down on free speech in China, despite their good economic statistics.
Therefore, it can be posited with full confidence that the real development lies in
transforming the lives of people, not just in economic statistics.
In the light of above discussion, the situation in Pakistan is not that good too.
Being a nuclear power and stand among world’s few nuclear states, it is at a sorry
state in delivery of social goods. It is performing bad in primary education, dispensation of justice, in social justice, in gender equality, and tolerance.
Therefore, on all the social indicators it is ranked far lower. For instance, on HDI
2018, it is positioned at 156 number; on Global Peace Index 2018, it is at 151, on
Democracy Index, it is declared as a ‘hybrid state’. These aforementioned
indicators are the reflection of the existing situation of Pakistan. Moreover,
Pakistan Economic Survey 2017 and 2018, also mirrors bad performance at
educational and political levels. The consensus 2017 and increase in Population,
further, adds the intellectual plight of the people of Pakistan.
As it has been further clarified in case of Pakistan too along with rest of the globe
that real development is lagging behind on the pretext of economic statistics, it
raises a question, what does hinder the real development to take flight? There are
couple of reasons. At the fore most concern, governments are negligent of human
resource development. People are the real asset of any state, by not investing on
them, countries do grave mistakes.
Moreover, governments do not impart necessary skill in their youth which makes
an economy, though seems stable, but, actually, lacks real development. for
example, Saudi Arabia is a stable economy, but the whole economy depends on
diaspora’s skills and technicalities.
Besides, education is one of the best ways towards a real development. Flaws in
educational system is the greatest setback to the real development as a metaphor
goes, “classrooms decide the future of nation”. Additionally, weak institution
because of hybrid democracy, further, hinder the real development. Because, the
institutions which provide social welfare are not well structured that hinders real
development for the obvious reasons.
Alike, irrational policy making, too, affects real development. For example,
policy makers in Pakistan are formulating policies on the short term by playing
with macro economics without paying heed on the long-term human resource
development. As per UNESCO reports on Pakistan, educating the people is one
of the best ways to flight economic crisis besides political stability, yet policies
are devoid of social sensitives.
Then there are other demographic realities are act as a counter to real
development. Population explosion and unchecked Urbanization are like vicious
circles that do not allow real development to flourish by causing burden on
economy and by uneven rural-urban divide respectively. Lastly, blind following
of national interest at the global level on the pretext of anarchy is the only major
cause of inequalities at global levels. Had the Declaration of Human Rights 1948
implemented in letter and spirit, Africa would have been put out of hunger security when people around the globe has surplus of available food. It is because,
only economy is given priority over human rights and social growth at global
levels in contrary to real development. states doing well by playing upon under
developed countries and are gaining economic number as indicated by increasing
world trade statistics, but, at the cost of human development.
These are some of the factors that affects the real development in human lives.
These issues, however, if tackled properly with concerted efforts, could be
resolved. So, what should be the pragmatic approach to realize the real
development by transforming the lives of people? Some suggestions are
hereunder:
Firstly, the human resource of a country should be developed through education.
Both formal and informal education techniques are applied to broaden then mind
of the people, to uplift their moral values and sense of sensibility. By flourishing
the potentialities of the people of a country, real development can be achieved.
Secondly, vocational schools are erected to impart technical skills. These skills
are the best way to eradicate poverty and will secure human security. Existing
educational building can be utilized for this purpose.
Thirdly, consistent educational policies should be formulated to reform the
educational system. As mentioned above, educating the people makes them social
sensitives. It later helps us setting their priorities when at the helm of affairs.
Therefore, education it the fastest road to the human development
Fourthly, social institutions should be strengthened by devolving sufficient power
to them. For instance, disaster management, education and health departments
should be given enough funds and authority to fulfil the social needs of society
Fifthly, policy making is imperative towards any transformation. This process
should be taken care with the human development sensitivity. For instance, any
policy which undermines women, or any ethnic or linguistic class should be
amended towards real development on the basis of equality
Sixthly, the role of UN can not be neglected in real development across the global
in general and at state level in particular. The UN’s bodies should play their
effective role by furnishing recommendation to different countries according to
their socio-political needs
Seventhly, governments should ensure that they would add the recommendation
from global bodies and especially from the UN’s bodies in their legislation. For
example, the annual reports from UNESCO is country specific with certain recommendations. These recommendations ought to be implemented via proper
legislation.
In the last, it must be ensured that economic development should be made social
sensitive. For instance, development of industrial sector or agricultural sector
must accompany with the social requirement of job creation for youth.
To conclude, agreeably, economic health cannot be undermined in the
development of any country; but economic stability is not the real development
unless it supported and reinforced by social growth, political uplift, and human
development. Then aforementioned discussion, justifiably, backs this fact. There
has been increase in economic status at the global level, size of global market has
been increased from millions to billions to trillions now, yet global issues of
inequality, gender disparity, environmental degradation, and imminent fear of
wars, are to be dealt with. In the similar fashion, paradoxically, top 20 economies,
known by G20, are not able to make at the top of any social indicators from HDI
to PI. This existing statistic, undeniably, justifies that just economic development
is not the real development, if not accompany with social and human wellbeing.
There are number of setbacks to real developments, these are multidimensional
from poor policy making of government to unchecked pursuit of national power.
Having said that, there are ample rational choice, if implemented in letter and
spirit, could, potentially lead this world towards real developments by
transforming the lives of people. One can hope, optimistically, that sanity will
serve all and sundry state leaders, and they will prioritize real development in the
form of human development instead of scaling up just economic statistics.

Hi Yasint! I hope you don't mind, but I have only read your points and not the essay itself. I am a bit short of time and was scrolling through the Forum in my break. So I will comment on what I have read.

Your outline is great. It has solid points to back up your thesis statement. And I will go with the second statement. Very well researched and coherently put. I will point out some things which I found could be done away with, such as point 6 as you are already reiterating it in point 8. They are similar in essence the difference being you wrote Pakistan in heading 6. You can do the same in point 8. Also Point 7 g), realpolitik is a tenuous point. A country is always pursuing and will always pursue its national interest. What matters is how each government defines what constitutes 'national interest'. Same goes for realpolitik. So I do not think point g) should be added. The rest is great.

wah guru ji acha likha hwa ha.