SVG higher on Human Development than China

St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) has made tremendous progress on the United Nations (UN) Human Development Index (HDI), surpassing even global powers such as China in areas of human development.

The HDI is the index used by the United Nations (UN) to measure the progress of a country, and it features 192 countries. The data used in the preparation of the 2025 Human

Development Report was released on May,6, 2025.

According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the leading UN organization focused on international development, SVG is ranked 76 on the HDI in 2025. This country is above Grenada (80), Dominica (98) and Saint Lucia (103).

The data used in the indices and other human development indicators included, were provided by a variety of public international sources, and represent the best statistics available for those indicators at the time of the preparation of the human development report.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, speaking on the HDI on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 on NBC Radio’s Morning Cup programme noted that on the UN’s HDI, SVG has shown a steady upward movement over the past quarter century. He said the index itself has changed in composition, but the trend is undeniable and as a nation, that trajectory must continue.

Referencing the success of countries like Switzerland, Singapore, and SVG itself, Dr Gonsalves emphasized the power of specialization, smart planning, and intellectual capital in national development.

He said Switzerland is a First World country without a heavy industry base, while Singapore has carved its space in finance and services and that in SVG, while small in landmass, is larger than Switzerland when its maritime space is included.

He said SVG can reach to First World status and urged citizens, especially the younger generation, to envision their role in shaping the country by 2050.

The Prime Minister also spoke to a national awakening, one rooted in education, innovation, and cultural pride, which he described as an “Empire of the Mind”, that can drive the country’s future growth and resilience in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

He pointed noted that, having laid the foundations in infrastructure, education, and social development, the next stage is to focus on advanced science and applied technology. (API)