Principles of Reports' Preparation

Every year since 1990, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has commissioned the Human Development Report by an independent team of experts to explore major issues of global concern. A worldwide advisory network of leaders in academia, government and civil society contribute data, ideas, and best practices to support the analysis and proposals published in the report. Over 600 regional, national and sub-national reports have been produced so far in over 140 countries.

Every report focuses on the most urgent development problem providing the situation analysis from the new point of view, and political recommendations. Report also contains statistical appendix with calculation of the Human Development Index (HDI), according to which countries are ranked. Ideas transferred by the report and tools for their implementation are used by people thoughout the world, which is whitnessed by publication of national human development reports in more than 140 countries.

To improve the quality and efficiency of published global, regional and national reports, the Human Development Reports Office (HDRO) prepared a series of publications providing the principles of reports' preparation, including the following:

  • National Ownership - An HDR achieves national ownership through a process that draws upon national development actors and capabilities throughout preparation, yielding a product firmly grounded in the country’s past and existing development plans. National ownership implies a commitment to broad, collective ownership encompassing different viewpoints. It also contributes to capacity development.
  • Participatory Preparation - Participatory and inclusive HDR preparation gathers together diverse actors as active partners. These include government, non-governmental, academic and non-academic players, both men and women, different ethnic groups and so on.
  • Independence of Analysis - To maintain independence of analysis, HDRs must contain objective assessments based on reliable analysis and data. HDRs, while they represent a process of dialogue and consensus, are not a “consensus document”. They are independent reports in which the authors take ultimate responsibility for the point of view.
  • Quality of Analysis - Quality human development policy analysis centres on people and makes global, regional and local connections. It also uses quantitative and qualitative data to support policy arguments and to measure and monitor human advance. This results in the formulation of sound policy messages and clearly defined strategies to advance human development goals.
  • Creativity in Presentation - Clear and user-friendly presentation maximizes the impact of a report. Attractive visuals, fluid language and a creative style will engage the interest of the target audience and powerfully convey the report’s essential messages.
  • Sustained Follow-up - An HDR should make its voice heard. This calls for an advocacy strategy that generates awareness and dialogue, and influences national development actions. A strategic plan covers outreach, communication, marketing and monitoring of results. It requires a solid financial commitment and specialized expertise.

Publications on this topic can also be seen on the web-site http://hdr.undp.org/en/nhdr/support/