Reports and Indices - UN and Related Organisations

Economy: Reports and Indices — UN and Related Organisations

Figure 6.1: UN and related organisations' reports and indices are crucial for understanding global development, labour, environment, and social trends and are frequently tested in UPSC examinations.

6.1 UNDP (United Nations Development Programme)

Context: UNDP is the UN's global development network, focusing on eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities, and promoting sustainable development. It works in over 170 countries and territories, helping governments and communities with policy advice, technical assistance, and capacity-building to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Gender Inequality Index

• About: The Gender Inequality Index 2022 was released on 13 March 2024 by UNDP in their Human Development Report 2023/2024.
• India's Rank (2022): 108th out of 193 countries with a score of 0.437
• India's Rank (2021): 122nd out of 191 countries with a score of 0.490

Human Development Report

• About: Human Development Reports (HDRs) have been released since 1990 and have explored different themes through the human development approach. Produced by the Human Development Report Office for UNDP.
• India's Rank (2022 Report): 134th on the global Human Development Index (HDI) with a score of 0.644
• Top Rank: Switzerland has been ranked number one.

6.2 United Nations International Telecommunication Union (UN-ITU)

Context: The ITU is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for promoting global telecommunication and information communication technology (ICT) development. It was founded in 1865 and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The ITU coordinates the global use of the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits to ensure efficient communication networks worldwide.

Global Digital Regulatory Outlook

• About: Assesses the regulatory progress of 193 countries, aiming to guide policymakers in fostering digital transformation through effective regulation.
• Key Highlights of the 2024 Report:
  • Regulatory Landscape: Comprehensive analysis of current regulatory frameworks, highlighting the need for agile and iterative policy implementation.
  • Identified Tensions: Five critical tensions in policy and regulatory models, including internet governance, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and regulatory sandboxes.
  • Strategic Recommendations: Five strategies to drive digital transformation, emphasizing integration of digital policies, fostering competition, and ensuring inclusive access to digital technologies.

Global Cyber Security Index

• About: Evaluates countries' commitment to cybersecurity across 194 countries using a five-tier analysis (Tier 1 to Tier 5).
• Frequency: Previous report was published in 2020
• India's Performance: India has achieved Tier 1 status (5th edition, 2024)
• Assessment Pillars: Legal, Organizational, Cooperation
• Tier Classification:
  • Tier 1: Role-modelling (score of 95–100)
  • Tier 2: Advancing (score of 85–95)
  • Tier 3: Establishing (score of 55–85)
  • Tier 4: Evolving (score of 20–55)
  • Tier 5: Building (score of 0–20)

6.3 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

Context: UNESCO is a UN agency established in 1945 to promote peace through education, science, and culture. It works on global cooperation in education, cultural preservation, and scientific research. UNESCO protects World Heritage Sites and promotes cultural diversity. It supports sustainable development and human rights initiatives. Its headquarters are located in Paris, France.

Global Education Monitoring Report

• About: Evaluates global progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education.
• Frequency: Triennially
• Title for 2023 Report: "Technology in Education: A Tool on Whose Terms?"
• Highlights of 2023 Report:
  • Impact of Smartphone Usage
  • Inequitable Access During COVID-19
  • Challenges in Adapting to Technological Change
  • Data Privacy Concerns
  • Financial Implications of Technology Integration

Gender Parity Index

• About: A statistical measure used to evaluate gender equality in education. Calculated as the ratio of female-to-male enrollment at different levels of education.
• Parameters:
  • GPI = 1: Perfect gender parity (equal enrollment of boys and girls)
  • GPI below 1: Gender disparity in favor of males (more boys enrolled)
  • GPI above 1: Gender disparity in favor of females (more girls enrolled)

State of the Education Report for India

• About: Explores the significant role that culture and arts education plays in fostering creativity, promoting inclusive and equitable education, strengthening social cohesion, and advancing sustainable development.
• Frequency: Annually
• Edition: 6th
• Title: Rhythms of Learning

Other Reports by UNESCO

• Science Report
• Global Ocean Science Report
• World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development
• UN World Water Development Report (on behalf of UN-Water)

6.4 United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF)

Context: UNICEF was established in 1946 to help children affected by World War II. It currently operates in over 190 countries and territories, including India. HQ: New York City, USA. UNICEF protects the rights of children, provides aid to children in need, and advocates for their welfare worldwide.

Prospects for Children Report

• About: Warns of escalating global crises and their potential impact on children. Highlights the urgent need to strengthen national systems to protect children and provide essential support.
• Frequency: Annually
• Title of 2025 Report: "Building Resilient Systems for Children's Futures"
• Key Highlights of the 2025 Report:
  • In 2023, over 473 million children (more than one in six globally) lived in conflict zones. The proportion of children affected by conflict has nearly doubled from 10% in the 1990s to 19%.
  • Nearly 400 million children live in countries burdened by debt, limiting investments in education, healthcare, and social services.
  • Only 2.4% of global climate finance is allocated to child-responsive initiatives, weakening social services crucial for children.
  • A significant digital divide exists.

Other Reports by UNICEF

• The State of the World's Children Report
• Humanitarian Action for Children
• Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys
• Gender Action Plan (2022-25)

6.5 International Labour Organisation (ILO)

Context: The ILO was established in 1919 as part of the League of Nations and later became a specialized agency of the United Nations. It has 187 Member states. Its main purpose is to promote social justice and fair labour standards across the globe. It has a set of fundamental conventions that focus on essential labor rights, including the right to organize, collective bargaining, the elimination of forced labor, and non-discrimination in employment.

Global Wage Report

• About: Provides a detailed look at wage trends around the world and in different regions, highlighting changes in wage inequality and real wage growth.
• Frequency: Annually
• Highlights of the 2024-25 Report:
  • Decrease in Wage Inequality: Wage inequality has decreased at an average rate of 11.1% per annum in about two-thirds of all countries since 2000.
  • Increase in Global Wages: Global wages have grown faster than inflation in recent times.

World Employment and Social Outlook

• About: Provides a detailed analysis of the state of global labour markets, highlighting key trends and challenges.
• Frequency: Annually
• Key Highlights of 2025 Report:
  • The global unemployment rate held steady at 5% in 2024.
  • Youth unemployment is highest in upper-middle-income countries and lower in low-income countries.
  • Regional Disparities in Employment
  • The global jobs gap stood at 402 million in 2024.

Other Reports by ILO

• Global Estimates of Modern Slavery
• World Social Protection Report

6.6 United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

Context: UNCTAD was established in 1964 to promote the integration of developing countries into the global economy, aiming to advance sustainable development through trade, investment, and technology. UNCTAD focuses on issues such as trade, investment, technology, finance, and development, with a special emphasis on the challenges faced by developing countries.

World Investment Report

• About: Focuses on trends in foreign direct investment (FDI) worldwide, at the regional and country levels, and emerging measures to improve its contribution to development.
• Frequency: Annually
• India's Position: India's place in the world for FDI receipts dropped from eighth in 2022 to fifteenth in 2023.
• Key Highlights of the 2024 Report:
  • Global FDI in 2023 decreased marginally by 2%.
  • FDI flows to developing countries fell by 7% to $867 billion, mainly due to an 8% decrease in developing Asia.
  • China, the second largest FDI recipient, saw a rare decline in inflows.

The Technology and Innovation Report

• About: Explores the potential of green technologies to drive sustainable development in the Global South.
• Frequency: Biennially
• Key Highlights of 2023 Report:
  • Developed countries are benefiting more from green technologies than developing countries.
  • Green technologies can create a market worth USD 9.5 trillion by 2030, up from USD 1.5 trillion in 2020.

The Trade & Development Report

• About: Examines the global economy amid slow growth, overlapping crises, and widespread social discontent.
• Frequency: Annually
• Title of 2024 Report: "Rethinking Development in the Age of Discontent"
• Five Core Themes:
  • A new, low normal for the global economy
  • The changing structure of trade and trade policies
  • The dawn of the service economy
  • Financialization in a new commodity cycle
  • The Global South and its quest for long-term development finance

6.7 UN-DESA (Department of Economic and Social Affairs)

Context: UN-DESA is the development pillar of the UN Secretariat, supporting the UN's work on economic, social, and environmental issues. It provides substantive support to intergovernmental processes in the UN General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). It works to translate global commitments into national action, helping countries implement UN resolutions and agreements.

World's Women Report

• About: A comprehensive publication offering an in-depth analysis of the status of women worldwide across various domains, including health, education, employment, and political participation.
• Frequency: Once in 5 years (Last Edition 2020, 7th Edition)
• Six Critical Areas:
  • Population and Families
  • Health
  • Education
  • Economic Empowerment and Asset Ownership
  • Power and Decision-Making
  • Violence Against Women and the Girl Child

World Social Report

• About: Focuses on global social trends and challenges.
• Frequency: Annually
• Title of 2024 Report: "Social Development in Times of Converging Crises: A Call for Global Action"
• Key Themes: Inequality, poverty, social protection, and demographic trends
• Data and Analysis: Provides data-driven insights, highlighting the social implications of economic, political, and environmental changes.

Other Reports by UN-DESA

• World Population Prospects
• The Sustainable Development Goals Report (in collaboration with the UN Statistical System)
• World Economic Situation and Prospects (in collaboration with various other institutions)
• E-Government Development Index
• E-Government Survey
• E-Participation Index
• Gender Snapshot (in collaboration with UN Women)

6.8 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Context: UNEP was established in 1972 to promote environmental sustainability and guide global efforts to protect the environment by coordinating the activities of various UN bodies and fostering international environmental cooperation. UNEP focuses on critical environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity, pollution, resource conservation, and sustainable development. UNEP is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya.

Global Environment Outlook

• About: A series of reports on the environment issued periodically.
• Frequency: 6 Reports Published since 1995. Most recently published in 2019.
• Key Highlights of the GEO-6 Report:
  • As greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise amid an increased risk of droughts, floods and superstorms made worse by climbing sea levels, there is a growing political consensus that climate change poses a future risk to billions.
  • A quarter of all premature deaths and diseases worldwide are due to manmade pollution and environmental damage – around 9 million deaths in 2015 alone.

Emission Gap Report

• About: Provides a critical assessment of the disparity between current global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the reductions necessary to achieve the targets.
• Frequency: Annually
• Title: "No More Hot Air ... Please!"
• Highlights of 2024 Report:
  • If countries fail to collectively cut annual GHG emissions by 42% by 2030 and by 57% by 2035, the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C global temperature target will become unattainable within a few years.
  • For the 2°C target, reductions of 28% by 2030 and 37% by 2035 are required.
  • Without a significant enhancement in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) targets, UNEP warns global temperatures could rise by 2.6-3.1°C by the century's end.

Adaptation Gap Report

• About: Stresses the need for significant increases in climate adaptation efforts, particularly regarding adaptation financing for developing nations.
• Frequency: Annually
• Title: "One Hell and High Water"
• Key Findings of the 2024 Report:
  • The adaptation finance gap has widened.
  • Current funding (2022) meets just 5% of the projected needs under the Glasgow Climate Pact.
  • The Glasgow Climate Pact aims to reduce methane emissions by at least 30% below 2020 levels by 2030.
  • UNEP estimates developing countries need USD 387 billion annually by 2030 for adaptation (as per 2023 Report).

Other Important Reports of UNEP

• The Greening Blue Report
• State of Finance for Nature
• The State of the World's Peatlands
• Inclusive Wealth Report
• International Methane Emissions Observatory Report
• Global Methane Assessment Report

6.9 Food & Agriculture Organisation (FAO)

Context: FAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that works to achieve food security for all, ensuring that people have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to lead active and healthy lives. Established in 1945 and headquartered in Rome, Italy. The organization provides technical assistance to developing countries, promotes sustainable agricultural practices, and helps improve food security by collecting and disseminating data on global food and agriculture.

State of the World's Forests Report

• About: Provides a comprehensive analysis of forest conditions and trends.
• Frequency: Annually
• Title: "Forest-sector innovations towards a more sustainable future"
• India's Position: India gained 2,66,000 hectares of forest annually from 2010-2020, ranking third globally in forest area gains.
• Highlights:
  • Decline in deforestation rates compared to previous decades.
  • In 2020, the global forest covered approximately 4.1 billion hectares, or 31% of the land area.
  • The global mangrove area was recorded to be 14.8 million ha, out of which South and Southeast Asia contributed almost 44% of the total global area.

The State of Food and Agriculture

• About: Examines the often-overlooked factors that contribute to these costs, urging a transformation of the global agrifood systems.
• Frequency: Annually
• Title: "Value-driven transformation of agrifood systems"
• Highlights of 2024 Report:
  • The hidden costs of agrifood systems amount to approximately USD 12 trillion annually.
  • Environmental costs from unsustainable agricultural practices may reach USD 720 billion.

Other Reports of FAO

• The State of Agricultural Commodity Markets
• The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture
• Hunger Hotspot (in collaboration with WFP)
• State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World
• FAO Food Price Index

6.10 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

Context: IPCC is an intergovernmental body of the UN constituted to advance scientific knowledge about climate change caused by human activities.

AR6 Synthesis Report: Climate Change

• About: IPCC assessment reports that provide guidelines for estimating greenhouse gas emissions and removal.
• Frequency: Total 6 Reports Since 1988.
• Highlights of the Report:
  • Human-Induced Warming
  • Severe Weather Events
  • Sea-Level Rise & Melting Ice
  • Vulnerable Communities at Risk
  • Urgent Action Needed

6.11 United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)

Context: UNIDO is a specialized agency of the United Nations with a unique mandate to promote sustainable economic and industrial development.

Industrial Development Report

• About: Emphasizes the pivotal role the industrial sector plays in delivering sustainable development solutions, given its profound impact on economic, societal and environmental goals.
• Report Title: "Turning Challenges into Sustainable Solutions: The New Era of Industrial Policy"

6.12 International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Context: IOM is the leading intergovernmental agency dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration by providing support to migrants, governments, and communities worldwide. It is a specialised agency of the UN.

World Migration Report

• About: Provides an in-depth analysis of global migration patterns, trends, and challenges.
• Frequency: Biennially
• Key Highlights of 2024 Report:
  • Top remittance recipient countries in 2023: India, Mexico, China, Philippines and France. India is the highest source of international outward migration.
  • International remittances surged by 650% from USD 128 billion in 2000 to USD 831 billion in 2022, with India receiving the highest at USD 111 billion in 2022.

6.13 UN-Habitat

Context: UN-Habitat is a United Nations agency responsible for urban development and human settlements. Established in 1978, Habitat laid the foundation for the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).

World Cities Report

• About: Comprehensive analysis of the intricate relationship between urbanization and climate change.
• Frequency: Biennially
• Report Title: "World Cities Report 2024: Cities and Climate Action"
• Key Findings of the 2024 Report:
  • Cities and Climate Change: Cities are both victims of climate change and major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, though they are disproportionately exposed to climate impacts.
  • Exposure to Climate Change: Over 2 billion people living in cities could face an additional temperature increase of at least 0.5°C by 2040.
  • Funding Gap: Cities require an estimated $4.5-5.4 trillion per year to build and maintain climate-resilient systems, while current financing is only $831 billion.

6.14 World Happiness Report by UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network

• About: Offers a comprehensive analysis of global happiness levels across 147 countries. Collaboration between Gallup, Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre, UN SDSN, and the World Happiness Report Editorial Board.
• Frequency: Annual
• India's Ranking (2025): 118th (8 places better than 2024)
• Key Indicators: Six indicators: GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.
• Highlights of the 2025 Report:
  • Top Rankings: Nordic countries dominate, with Finland topping the list for the eighth year followed by Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden.
  • South Asian Nations Ranking: Nepal (92nd), Pakistan (109th), Myanmar (126th), Sri Lanka (133rd), Bangladesh (134th).

6.15 Summary: UN Reports at a Glance

Organization	Report	Frequency	Key Detail / India's Rank
UNDP	Gender Inequality Index	—	India: 108th (2022), 122nd (2021)
UNDP	Human Development Report	Annually	India: 134th (2022), Score: 0.644; Top: Switzerland
ITU	Global Cyber Security Index	Last: 2020	India: Tier 1 (2024)
UNESCO	Global Education Monitoring Report	Triennially	2023: "Technology in Education: A Tool on Whose Terms?"
UNICEF	Prospects for Children	Annually	2025: "Building Resilient Systems for Children's Futures"; 473M children in conflict zones
ILO	World Employment and Social Outlook	Annually	Unemployment: 5% (2024); Jobs gap: 402M
UNCTAD	World Investment Report	Annually	India: 15th in FDI (2023); Global FDI: -2%
UN-DESA	World's Women Report	Once in 5 years	7th Edition (2020); 6 critical areas
UNEP	Emission Gap Report	Annually	2024: Need 42% cut by 2030 for 1.5°C target
FAO	State of the World's Forests	Annually	India: 3rd in forest area gains; 2,66,000 ha/year
IPCC	AR6 Synthesis Report	6 Reports since 1988	Human-Induced Warming, Sea-Level Rise, Urgent Action Needed
UNIDO	Industrial Development Report	—	"Turning Challenges into Sustainable Solutions: The New Era of Industrial Policy"
IOM	World Migration Report	Biennially	India: Top remittance recipient (2022: USD 111B)
UN-Habitat	World Cities Report	Biennially	"Cities and Climate Action"; $4.5-5.4T funding gap
UN SDSN	World Happiness Report	Annual	India: 118th (2025); Top: Finland (8th year)

Key Takeaways for UPSC

• UNDP: HDI — India 134th (2022); Gender Inequality Index — India 108th (2022)
• ITU: Global Cyber Security Index — India achieved Tier 1 status (2024)
• UNESCO: Global Education Monitoring Report 2023 — "Technology in Education: A Tool on Whose Terms?"
• UNICEF: Prospects for Children 2025 — 473M children in conflict zones; 400M in debt-burdened countries
• ILO: World Employment and Social Outlook — Unemployment 5% (2024); Jobs gap 402M
• UNCTAD: World Investment Report — India dropped to 15th in FDI (2023); Green tech market worth USD 9.5T by 2030
• UNEP: Emission Gap Report — 42% cut by 2030 needed for 1.5°C target; Adaptation Gap — USD 387B needed annually
• FAO: State of World's Forests — India 3rd in forest area gains; Hidden costs of agrifood systems: USD 12T annually
• IPCC: AR6 Synthesis Report — 6 reports since 1988; Human-induced warming, sea-level rise, urgent action
• UNIDO: Industrial Development Report — "Turning Challenges into Sustainable Solutions"
• IOM: World Migration Report — India top remittance recipient (USD 111B in 2022)
• UN-Habitat: World Cities Report 2024 — "Cities and Climate Action"; $4.5-5.4T funding gap
• World Happiness Report 2025: India 118th; Finland tops for 8th year

High-Yield Interactive UPSC Quiz (Chapter 6: UN Reports)

Q1. India's rank in the Human Development Index (HDI) 2022 is:

Correct Answer: C. India ranks 134th on the global Human Development Index (HDI) with a score of 0.644. Switzerland has been ranked number one.

Q2. India's rank in the Gender Inequality Index 2022 is:

Correct Answer: C. India ranks 108th out of 193 countries with a score of 0.437 in the Gender Inequality Index 2022.

Q3. India achieved which tier in the Global Cyber Security Index 2024?

Correct Answer: C. India has achieved Tier 1 status (Role-modelling) in the Global Cyber Security Index 2024.

Q4. The Global Education Monitoring Report 2023 is titled:

Correct Answer: C. The Global Education Monitoring Report 2023 is titled "Technology in Education: A Tool on Whose Terms?"

Q5. According to the UNICEF Prospects for Children Report 2025, how many children lived in conflict zones in 2023?

Correct Answer: C. In 2023, over 473 million children (more than one in six globally) lived in conflict zones.

Q6. The global unemployment rate in 2024 stood at:

Correct Answer: C. According to the ILO World Employment and Social Outlook 2025, the global unemployment rate held steady at 5% in 2024.

Q7. India's FDI receipts position dropped from 8th in 2022 to which position in 2023?

Correct Answer: C. India's place in the world for FDI receipts dropped from eighth in 2022 to fifteenth in 2023, according to the World Investment Report 2024.

Q8. According to the World Migration Report 2024, India received how much in remittances in 2022?

Correct Answer: C. India received the highest remittances at USD 111 billion in 2022, according to the World Migration Report 2024.

Q9. According to the World Cities Report 2024, cities require how much per year to build climate-resilient systems?

Correct Answer: C. The World Cities Report 2024 states that cities require an estimated $4.5-5.4 trillion per year to build and maintain climate-resilient systems, while current financing is only $831 billion.

Q10. India's rank in the World Happiness Report 2025 is:

Correct Answer: C. India ranked 118th in the World Happiness Report 2025, 8 places better than 2024. Finland topped the list for the eighth year.