UN urges nations to move beyond GDP as measure of real progress

A United Nations-appointed expert panel has called on countries around the world to move beyond Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as the dominant measure of national progress, arguing that economic growth alone no longer captures the real condition of societies amid rising inequality, climate change and declining public trust.

In a report titled “Counting What Counts: A Compass of Progress for People and Planet,” the UN Secretary-General’s Independent High-Level Expert Group on Beyond GDP said GDP remains an important indicator of economic activity but is increasingly disconnected from people’s lived experiences.

The report warned that many countries have witnessed strong economic growth alongside worsening inequality, environmental degradation and growing dissatisfaction with political and economic systems. “GDP growth and public sentiment have come apart,” the panel said, adding that many people feel governments are unable to meet their needs while economic gains are increasingly concentrated among the wealthy.

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The expert group proposed a broader framework focused on “equitable, inclusive and sustainable well-being,” supported by a dashboard of 31 indicators covering economic, social, environmental and institutional conditions. The framework includes measurements related to health, education, work, security, inequality, poverty, climate resilience, biodiversity and trust in institutions.

The panel also highlighted the growing risks posed by climate change and technological disruption. It noted that artificial intelligence could boost productivity but may also increase unemployment, concentration of power and security threats if left poorly regulated. At the same time, the report warned that extreme weather events, pollution and biodiversity loss are intensifying despite continued global economic expansion.

To implement the recommendations, the UN panel urged governments to create national progress dashboards integrated into policymaking and budgeting systems. It also called for stronger statistical systems capable of tracking indicators such as subjective well-being, social cohesion and environmental quality in real time.

The report was prepared following a request from UN member states under the Pact for the Future initiative launched in 2025.