Lebanon National Human Development Report (NHDR)

The principal objective of the National Human Development Report (NHDR) is to raise public awareness and trigger action on critical human development concerns.

Human development puts economic growth into perspective as a means to serve human ends, not an end in itself.

The Human Development Report 2001 affirms “human development is about much more than the rise or fall of national incomes.  It is about creating an environment in which people can develop their full potential and lead productive, creative lives in accord with their needs and interests.  People are the real wealth of nations”.

Development is thus about expanding choices people have to lead lives that they value.

The human development approach distinguishes between two sides of human development: the formation of human capabilities such as improved health or knowledge, and the use that people make of them for work or leisure.

It is also the process of pursuing these capabilities in a way that is equitable, participatory, productive, and sustainable.

The goal of human development comprises four distinct dimensions, each of which can be expressed and measured through indicators : equal opportunity for all, social justice, sustainability, empowerment and participation

The preparation of Lebanon National Human Development Report (NHDR) is an initiative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in corporation with the Council for Development and Reconstruction. (C.D.R.)

The NHDR strives to present independent review and objective analysis of statistical and other relevant data, and applies the human development perspective to priority national concerns and emerging challenges.

The first Lebanese NHDR entitled A Profile of Sustainable Human Development in Lebanon, published in 1997 in English and Arabic, introduced and promoted the sustainable human development concept and portrayed significant features of it through review of thematic and sectoral components.

The second NHDR for Lebanon, Youth and Development, was published in November 1998 (English) and in August 1999 (Arabic).  Building up the capacity of youth, keeping a large number of them from emigrating, and involving them in decision-making through active public participation were found of particular relevance to the national situation and a key condition for the sustainability of the reconstruction and development effort underway in the country.

Both reports have contributed to raising awareness and national debate on aspects of sustainable and human development in the country, and induced increased emphasis on the social and environmental dimensions of development in national policies and programmmes. 

The third NHDR for Lebanon, the theme of which is “ Globalization: Towards a Lebanese Agenda” was launched in September 2002. The report is an exploration of issues at stake and options for Lebanon, and is intended as a contribution to national debate concerning requirements of a Lebanese development and globalization strategy.

http://hdr.undp.org/reports/view_reports.cfm?country=LEB&countryname=LEBANON%20