The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched its flagship Human Development Report 2025, highlighting a global slowdown in human development and calling for inclusive, people-centered strategies to harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The 2025 Human Development Report -"A matter of choice: people and possibilities in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI)" shows that the world saw the smallest increase in global Human Development Index (HDI) since 1990, excluding the COVID-19 years. Instead of rebounding, progress has stagnated, threatening to delay achievement of the 2030 Agenda by decades.
The report advocates for a transformational reset anchored in three key directions:
Building a complementarity economy where people and AI collaborate,
Embedding human agency across the AI lifecycle, and
Investing in education and health systems fit for the 21st century.
Mongolia ranked 104 out of 193 countries and territories in the report with a HDI value of 0.747, an increase of 26 percent since 1990. Between 1990 and 2022, Mongolia’s life expectancy at birth increased by 12.9 years, mean years of schooling increased by 0.9 years and expected years of schooling increased by 3.5 years while gross national income per capita increased by 148.4 percent, according to the report. 
His Excellency, Baatarkhuu Tsend, Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Communications, emphasized the country’s AI ambitions and stated, “Mongolia is committed to becoming a regional leader in responsible AI. We have already made important strides, from the development of E-Mongolia platform to the National Big Data and AI strategy which is in the making. But we must now ensure that digital transformation leaves no one behind, from rural communities to future generations,” during his opening remarks. 
Statement of His Excellency Gantumur Luvsannyam, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Development of Mongolia, was delivered by the Advisor to the Minister, Mr. Battumur Batsuuri, and stated, “Our country’s progress in digitalization and development is commendable. But this report is a timely reminder that growth without equity, and technology without ethics, will not deliver the inclusive and prosperous future we envision. Our policies need to put people, not systems, at the center of innovation,” during his opening remarks. 
According to the report, the risks of inequality are growing, particularly between high- and low-HDI countries. While 60% of global survey respondents expressed optimism about AI’s potential to improve their work and lives, gaps in access, skills, and infrastructure remain stark—especially in developing economies.
“AI is not just a technology, but also a mirror reflecting our values and priorities. Used wisely, it can power Mongolia’s Vision 2050 and accelerate the achievement of the SDGs. We need to not just ask what AI can do, but what it can do for people, so it truly expands our choices and opportunities,” said Ms. Matilda Dimovska, UNDP Resident Representative in Mongolia. 
Mr. Philip Schellekens, Chief Economist for Asia-Pacific at UNDP, provided a comprehensive overview of the key insights and recommendations of the Report, highlighting their implications for Mongolia.
The event also featured opening remarks by Ms. Amarzaya Tumurbaatar, Executive Director of the Mongolian Youth Council, who shared youth perspectives on the future, human development, and the role of AI, while emphasizing the importance of youth participation. In his closing remarks, Mr. Jaap van Hierden, UN Resident Coordinator in Mongolia, underscored the need to invest in people’s capabilities, ensure inclusive digital access, and strengthen public infrastructure to empower individuals and communities.
The launch event featured a high-level panel discussion exploring how Mongolia can leverage AI to expand people’s choices and opportunities, moderated by Ms. Dulamkhorloo Baatar, Founder of Nest Center for Journalism Innovation. Speakers included:
Honorable Zoljargal Jargalsaikhan, MP and Chair of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Innovation and Digital Policy;
Mr. Munkhbat P., Director General, Ministry of Digital Development;
Ms. Tana Jambaldorj, Secretary of the National Committee for Vision 2050; and
Ms. Khongorzul B, Specialist, Sustainable Development and Social Policy Division, Integrated Development Policy and Planning Department, Ministry of Economy and Development
Ms. Enkhsaikhan Nyamsuren, Co-Founder, Empasoft Institute of Technology.
The panel provided a valuable space to explore how Mongolia can localize the report’s recommendations and align AI transformation with national priorities.
The Human Development Report’s central message is clear: AI’s impact on people and societies will depend not on what AI can do, but on how we choose to govern it. As countries like Mongolia embrace digital transformation, there is a window of opportunity to build smarter, fairer, and more resilient societies.
The 2025 Human Development Report is available at https://hdr.undp.org/content/human-development-report-2025
***
Media Contacts:
In New York: stanislav.saling@undp.org  +1 347 653 1980 or victor.garrido.delgado@undp.org  +1 917 995 1687
In Bangkok: cedric.monteiro@undp.org  (+66 2 304 9100)
In Mongolia:erdenesukh.otgonbayar@undp.org (9909-6434)
About UNDP: UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP.

Published Date:2025-05-21