Small steps

UNDP's new Human Development Index (HDI) of 177 countries reveals that 18 of the world's poorest countries, with a total population of 460 million, are doing worse on most key human development indicators than they were in 1990.

Twelve of the 18 countries are in sub-Saharan Africa while the remaining six belong to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Since 1990, Tajikistan has fallen 21 places, Ukraine 17, and the Russian Federation 15. Declining life expectancy, combined with economic disruption after the fall of the Soviet Union, are the main factors, the report states.

"The index shows in clear, cold numbers that many countries are not only failing to progress, but are actually slipping backwards, and they will continue on that downhill path unless the international community steps in to help with more resources and new policies," said Kevin Watkins, the lead author of the report.

Poland is creating its own development enhancement system. While in 2003, Polish aid to the poorest countries amounted to a mere $27 (zł.86) million, 2004 witnessed a $117 (zł.373) million contribution. The Polish government undertook to increase its official development aid to the level of 0.1 percent of GDP, circa $300 (zł.956) million, by 2006. The 10 new member states of the European Union, the so-called new donors, are expected to earmark a total of  $500 (zł.1,594) million.

The HDI measures the average achievements in a country in three basic dimensions of human development: life expectancy at birth; adult literacy rate; and the standard of living as measured by GDP per capita in purchasing power parity in US dollars. Globally, Norway tops the index, while Niger is last. Poland is one position higher than last year.