The Institute for Development Studies (IDS) was represented by Prof. Paul Kamau during the launch of the 2024 UNDP Human Development Index report. The report theme is “Breaking the Gridlocks: Reimagining Cooperation in a polarized world”.

Notably present were Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u, the Cabinet Secretary, National Treasury & Economic Planning, Prof. Stephen Kiama, the Vice Chancellor -  University of Nairobi, Prof. Paul Kamau, Associate Director - IDS, Prof. Winnie Mitullah of IDS, members of the Diplomatic Corps, researchers, and IDS staff and students.

Prof. Kamau noted that IDS has partnered with UNDP for the past 25 years in not only launching the HDI report but also developing the Kenya HDI report. As a multidisciplinary institute, IDS has worked a lot on matters concerning development. Prof. Kamau further stated that development is multifaceted and includes well-being, progress, freedom, capability, utilization of resources, equity and sustainability. He praised the UNDP move in 1990 whereby it launched the Human Development Index report and shifted the view that development only entails economic growth.

Prof. Winnie Mitullah noted that the report needs to speak more on what should be done at a practical level.