Module 124. Various Reports & Indices

Reports and indices are essential tools used globally to assess and compare the performance of nations across various social, economic, political, and environmental parameters. They are usually published by international organisations, research institutions, and independent think tanks. Such assessments provide valuable insights into global trends, policy effectiveness, and developmental progress, helping governments and policymakers identify strengths and areas of improvement.

Concept and Significance

An international report presents analytical findings and recommendations on a particular global issue such as human development, climate change, or governance. An index, on the other hand, quantifies performance by ranking countries using measurable indicators. Together, they enable objective evaluation, comparative study, and policy formulation.
Their significance lies in:

• Providing data-driven insights for global and national policy decisions.
• Serving as reference material for academic, economic, and civil service examinations.
• Guiding international aid allocation and developmental partnerships.
• Enhancing public accountability and transparency among nations.

Major Global Reports and Indices

Below is a detailed list of some of the most prominent international reports and indices, categorised according to their thematic areas.

1. Human Development and Social Progress

Human Development Report (HDR):

• Published by: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
• Index: Human Development Index (HDI), which measures a nation’s average achievements in health (life expectancy), education, and standard of living (GNI per capita).
• Significance: Ranks countries into Very High, High, Medium, or Low Human Development categories.

World Happiness Report:

• Published by: United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
• Focus: Measures subjective well-being based on parameters such as income, social support, life expectancy, and freedom.

Gender Inequality Index (GII):

• Published by: UNDP.
• Focus: Measures gender disparities in health, empowerment, and labour market participation.

Global Hunger Index (GHI):

• Published by: Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe.
• Focus: Evaluates and ranks countries based on hunger levels, child wasting, stunting, and undernourishment.

World Population Prospects:

• Published by: United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA).
• Focus: Provides demographic trends and projections for all nations.

2. Economic and Financial Reports

World Economic Outlook (WEO):

• Published by: International Monetary Fund (IMF).
• Focus: Provides analysis of global economic trends, growth forecasts, and fiscal outlooks.

Global Competitiveness Report:

• Published by: World Economic Forum (WEF).
• Index: Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) assessing productivity, innovation capability, and institutional strength.

Ease of Doing Business Report:

• Published by: World Bank (discontinued after 2021).
• Focus: Ranked countries based on business regulations, starting a business, and ease of obtaining credit.

World Development Report:

• Published by: World Bank.
• Focus: Analyses key aspects of development such as poverty, trade, education, or governance.

Global Financial Stability Report:

• Published by: IMF.
• Focus: Evaluates financial markets and vulnerabilities affecting international stability.

3. Governance, Corruption, and Peace

Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI):

• Published by: Transparency International.
• Focus: Measures perceived levels of corruption in the public sector.

Rule of Law Index:

• Published by: World Justice Project (WJP).
• Focus: Assesses adherence to rule of law principles such as accountability, just laws, and open government.

Global Peace Index (GPI):

• Published by: Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP).
• Focus: Ranks countries based on safety, conflict levels, and militarisation.

Democracy Index:

• Published by: Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).
• Focus: Measures the state of democracy in countries based on electoral processes, civil liberties, and political culture.

World Governance Indicators (WGI):

• Published by: World Bank.
• Focus: Provides six dimensions of governance—voice and accountability, political stability, government effectiveness, regulatory quality, rule of law, and control of corruption.

4. Environmental and Climate Reports

Global Environment Outlook (GEO):

• Published by: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
• Focus: Analyses global environmental conditions and future sustainability scenarios.

Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI):

• Published by: Germanwatch, NewClimate Institute, and Climate Action Network.
• Focus: Evaluates the climate protection performance of 60 countries and the EU.

Emissions Gap Report:

• Published by: UNEP.
• Focus: Compares projected greenhouse gas emissions with targets set under the Paris Agreement.

World Energy Outlook:

• Published by: International Energy Agency (IEA).
• Focus: Projects energy demand, production trends, and sustainability goals.

Environmental Performance Index (EPI):

• Published by: Yale and Columbia Universities in collaboration with the World Economic Forum.
• Focus: Ranks countries on environmental health, ecosystem vitality, and climate policy performance.

5. Trade, Industry, and Technology

World Trade Report:

• Published by: World Trade Organization (WTO).
• Focus: Analyses trade developments, barriers, and global policy implications.

Global Innovation Index (GII):

• Published by: World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), INSEAD, and Cornell University.
• Focus: Measures nations’ innovation capabilities and outputs based on institutions, infrastructure, human capital, and research.

Global Information Technology Report:

• Published by: World Economic Forum (WEF).
• Index: Network Readiness Index (NRI) assessing countries’ ICT infrastructure and digital readiness.

World Investment Report:

• Published by: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
• Focus: Monitors global trends in foreign direct investment (FDI) and corporate activities.

6. Health, Education, and Welfare

World Health Report:

• Published by: World Health Organization (WHO).
• Focus: Provides comprehensive analysis of global health issues, policies, and outcomes.

Global Tuberculosis Report:

• Published by: WHO.
• Focus: Reviews progress in combating tuberculosis worldwide.

Education for All Global Monitoring Report (now Global Education Monitoring Report):

• Published by: UNESCO.
• Focus: Tracks global progress towards education targets.

Global Gender Gap Report:

• Published by: World Economic Forum (WEF).
• Index: Measures gender equality across economic participation, education, health, and political empowerment.

World Social Protection Report:

• Published by: International Labour Organization (ILO).
• Focus: Analyses social security systems, income protection, and labour market inclusion.

7. Science, Technology, and Cyber Readiness

Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI):

• Published by: International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
• Focus: Assesses the commitment of countries to cybersecurity.

Science and Engineering Indicators Report:

• Published by: National Science Foundation (NSF), USA.
• Focus: Tracks global trends in science, technology, and innovation.

AI Readiness Index:

• Published by: Oxford Insights.
• Focus: Evaluates government preparedness for artificial intelligence integration.

8. Other Prominent Reports

• World Risk Report (UNU-EHS): Analyses countries’ vulnerability to natural disasters.
• Trafficking in Persons Report (U.S. State Department): Evaluates global efforts to combat human trafficking.
• Global Slavery Index (Walk Free Foundation): Estimates the prevalence of modern slavery and forced labour.
• Press Freedom Index (Reporters Without Borders): Ranks countries on media independence and freedom of expression.

Importance for Policy and Education

Reports and indices not only reflect a nation’s global standing but also serve as strategic tools for planning and reform. Policymakers use them to assess performance, set targets, and attract investment. For students and researchers, they provide credible data sources and are particularly significant in examinations related to international relations, economics, and governance.