CONCEPT OF DEVELOPMENT: FROM ECONOMIC TO HOLISTIC- HUMAN RIGHTS

APPROACH TO GLOBAL JUSTICE:

INTRODUCTION:
The concept of development is usually viewed through an economic lens, emphasizing indicators
like GDP growth, industrialization, and financial wealth. However, holistic and human rights-
based approaches that promote inclusive, equitable, and sustainable development increasingly
challenge this narrow perspective.
The development concept has changed significantly over time, from a narrow concentration on
economic growth to a more comprehensive, holistic approach that includes human rights and
global justice. The human rights approach to global justice aims to address inequalities, promote
equity, and ensure that all individuals, regardless of their background, can exercise their rights
and access justice on an international level. The shift in the concept of development from
economic to holistic is the main focus of this project and also discusses the human rights
approach to global justice.
1. Economic Development (1940s-1960s): Emphasized GDP growth, industrialization, and
economic self-reliance. This approach prioritized economic indicators, often neglecting social
and environmental concerns.
2. Social Development (1970s-1980s): Recognized the importance of social factors like
education, healthcare, and poverty reduction in achieving development. This approach added a
social dimension to economic growth.
3. Sustainable Development (1990s): Introduced the concept of environmental sustainability,
emphasizing the need to balance economic and social development with environmental
protection.
4. Human Development (1990s): Focused on human well-being, capabilities, and freedoms.
This approach, popularized by Amartya Sen and Mahbub ul Haq, prioritized education,
healthcare, and human rights.
5. Human Rights-Based Approach (2000s): Integrated human rights principles into
development, emphasizing the rights to food, water, health, education, and social security.
6. Holistic-Human Rights Approach (2010s): Encompasses economic, social, cultural, and
environmental dimensions, recognizing the interconnectedness of human rights and the need for
global justice.
7. Global Justice (present day): Focuses on addressing global inequalities, climate change, and
power imbalances, recognizing the need for collective action and international cooperation to
achieve sustainable development and human rights for all.
This evolution reflects a growing understanding that development must prioritize human well-
being, dignity, and environmental sustainability and that global justice is essential for achieving
these goals.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:
Economic development refers to the process by which a nation improves the economic, political,
and social well-being of its people. Between the 1940s and 1960s, there was a significant
emphasis on GDP growth, industrialization, and economic self-reliance, driven largely by post-
World War II reconstruction and the onset of the Cold War. Countries sought rapid economic
growth to rebuild or assert independence, with GDP as the primary metric for measuring
progress. Industrialization, particularly in heavy industries such as steel and chemicals, was seen
as essential for economic self-sufficiency. Many nations, especially newly independent ones,
adopted economic self-reliance policies, including import substitution industrialization (ISI),
which focused on producing goods domestically rather than relying on imports. The theoretical
foundations of this period included Modernization Theory, which proposed a linear path of
development from traditional to modern economies, as articulated by Walt Rostow’s Stages of
Economic Growth. Keynesian economics, advocating for government intervention to manage
economic cycles and promote employment, also influenced policies during this era. Key policies
included the U.S.-sponsored Marshall Plan, which provided aid to rebuild Western Europe, and
Five-Year Plans, used by countries like India and the Soviet Union to promote industrial growth
and infrastructure development. ISI policies were widely implemented to protect domestic
industries. Case studies from this period highlight Western Europe’s recovery through the
Marshall Plan, the Soviet Union’s heavy industry-driven growth under a centrally planned
economy, and India’s focus on self-reliance through Five-Year Plans. The strengths of the
economic development approach during this time included rapid industrial growth, infrastructure
development, and reduced reliance on former colonial powers. However, criticisms arose over
the neglect of social equity, environmental degradation, overemphasis on heavy industry at the
expense of other sectors, and limited attention to human development indicators like health and
education. By the late 1960s and early 1970s, these limitations became evident, leading to the
emergence of alternative development models that incorporated social, environmental, and
human rights considerations alongside economic growth.
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT:
During the 1970s and 1980s, the concept of development expanded beyond economic growth to
include social dimensions such as education, healthcare, and poverty reduction, emphasizing
development as a multi-faceted process aimed at improving the quality of life for all individuals.
Previously focused on economic indicators like GDP, the development model was criticized for
neglecting social inequalities, leading to the incorporation of social indicators like literacy rates
and life expectancy. This shift laid the groundwork for the Human Development Index (HDI),
introduced by the UNDP in 1990. Education became a key development tool, recognized not
only for personal advancement but also for its role in reducing poverty, improving health
outcomes, and promoting gender equality. International organizations like UNESCO
championed initiatives to expand access to primary education and address educational
disparities. Healthcare was also identified as a crucial element of development, with the Alma-
Ata Declaration of 1978 highlighting universal access to primary healthcare as a fundamental
human right and a cornerstone of development, focusing on preventive care and the control of
infectious diseases. Poverty reduction strategies evolved to address poverty as a multi-
dimensional issue, emphasizing the provision of basic needs such as food, shelter, education, and
healthcare, alongside social policies targeting vulnerable groups and promoting social safety
nets. Gender equality emerged as a critical aspect of development, with the Women in
Development (WID) approach advocating for the inclusion of women in development processes
and policies. Major international organizations, including the World Bank and UNDP, revised
their strategies to incorporate social dimensions, focusing on rural development, social services,
and improving the quality of life for marginalized communities. This period marked a broader
paradigm shift towards a more holistic understanding of development, integrating social,
cultural, and political dimensions alongside economic growth. The social development approach
of this era laid the foundation for subsequent theories like sustainable development and human
development, which continue to influence global development policies today, with education,
healthcare, and poverty reduction remaining central to the development agenda.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT:
In the 1990s, the concept of sustainable development gained prominence, representing a
significant shift in development theory. This approach introduced the idea that economic and
social progress must be pursued without jeopardizing the ability of future generations to meet
their own needs. Sustainable development emphasizes the interconnectedness of economic
growth, social equity, and environmental protection, advocating for a more holistic approach to
development that integrates these dimensions.
One of the major milestones in the evolution of sustainable development was the work of the
Brundtland Commission, formally known as the World Commission on Environment and
Development (WCED). In its landmark 1987 report titled *Our Common Future*, the
commission defined sustainable development as "development that meets the needs of the
present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." This
report laid the groundwork for the three pillars of sustainability: economic growth, social
inclusion, and environmental protection. These pillars have since become a guiding framework
for sustainable development policies and practices globally.

The 1992 Earth Summit, also known as the United Nations Conference on Environment and
Development (UNCED), held in Rio de Janeiro, further cemented the concept of sustainable
development on the global stage. A key outcome of the summit was the adoption of Agenda 21,
a comprehensive plan of action for sustainable development that emphasized integrating
environmental considerations into economic and social policies. Agenda 21 addressed critical
issues such as biodiversity, climate change, deforestation, and sustainable agriculture, and called
for the active involvement of governments, NGOs, and the private sector in its implementation.
During the 1990s, environmental sustainability became increasingly recognized as an essential
component of development planning. Governments and organizations began to address issues
such as deforestation, biodiversity loss, and pollution, while the growing threat of climate change
spurred global action. The Earth Summit also saw the adoption of the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), marking the start of international efforts to address
climate change through strategies focused on both mitigation and adaptation.
A key aspect of sustainable development during this period was the integration of economic,
social, and environmental goals. Traditional development models, which often prioritized short-
term economic growth over long-term sustainability, were challenged by the need to balance
growth with environmental protection. Social equity became another important focus, with
sustainable development emphasizing that economic growth should be inclusive and benefit all
segments of society. Issues such as poverty, inequality, and access to essential services like
education, healthcare, and clean water were central to this agenda.
The 1990s also laid the groundwork for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which were
later adopted by the United Nations in 2015. The SDGs expanded on the earlier Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs), which had primarily focused on poverty reduction and social
development. The SDGs incorporated a broader agenda, addressing economic growth, social
inclusion, and environmental sustainability, to achieve these objectives by 2030.
Throughout this transformative decade, international organizations and multilateral agreements
played a pivotal role in advancing sustainable development. The United Nations spearheaded
various initiatives, including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the UN Convention
to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), and the Kyoto Protocol on climate change. Non-
governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society groups also became increasingly active,
advocating for sustainable development and holding governments and corporations accountable
for their environmental and social impacts.
In conclusion, the 1990s were a crucial period in the evolution of sustainable development,
establishing many of the frameworks and concepts that continue to shape global development
efforts today. The work done during this time laid the foundation for ongoing efforts to balance
economic growth, social progress, and environmental sustainability, as reflected in the SDGs and
the continued global response to challenges such as climate change.
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT:
The 1990s marked a transformative period in development theory, focusing on human well-
being, capabilities, and freedoms, rather than just economic growth. This shift, championed by
economists Amartya Sen and Mahbub ul Haq, emphasized essential elements like education,
healthcare, and human rights, transforming global understanding of development into a more
humane and inclusive framework.
The human development approach redefined development as the process of expanding human
freedoms and creating an environment where individuals can reach their full potential. This
approach focuses on improving people’s well-being by emphasizing health, education, and
equitable access to opportunities, moving beyond traditional measures of income and economic
growth. Amartya Sen, one of the greatest development thinkers of our times, emphasized that
development is primarily about expanding freedoms and capabilities. According to Sen, freedom
is both the primary objective and the principal means of development, with democracy and
human rights playing pivotal roles in enhancing development. He famously noted that “no
famine has ever taken place in the history of the world in a functioning democracy,” as
democratic governments face elections and public criticism, making them more responsive in
averting crises like famines【10†source】.
Sen’s *capabilities approach* further underscores this idea, suggesting that development should
be evaluated based on the capabilities and freedoms individuals have to lead the life they value.
This approach stresses the importance of enabling people to do and be what they have reason to
value, with critical capabilities including the ability to live a long, healthy life, access to
knowledge, and active participation in the community. Sen argues that development requires the
removal of major sources of "unfreedom," such as poverty, tyranny, poor economic
opportunities, and systemic social deprivation 【 10†source 】 . Freedom, according to Sen,
encompasses not only the ability to act but also the capabilities to make things happen,
influenced by factors like economic opportunities, political liberties, and social powers. A key
insight from Sen is that capability deprivation, rather than income, is a better measure of
poverty【10†source】.
Mahbub ul Haq contributed significantly to the human development approach by creating the
Human Development Index (HDI), a composite measure of life expectancy, education, and per
capita income. The HDI provided an alternative to GDP by offering a more comprehensive
measure of human well-being. It includes the Life Expectancy Index, which measures the
average lifespan of a population; the Education Index, which accounts for mean and expected
years of schooling; and the Income Index, which uses Gross National Income (GNI) per capita to
evaluate living standards. This innovative measure shifted the focus of development metrics
from economic wealth to quality of life 【 10†source 】 . Haq’s Human Development Reports,
published through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), further promoted this
perspective by analyzing global progress in human development. His contributions encouraged a
more holistic approach to development that prioritized human well-being over mere economic
gains.
In his work *Development as Freedom* (1999), Sen outlined five interrelated types of freedom
—political freedom, economic facilities, social opportunities, transparency, and security—which
he considered vital for fostering human development. Sen also highlighted the need for the state
to support these freedoms by providing public education, healthcare, social safety nets, and
environmental protection 【 10†source 】 . A significant aspect of Sen’s work is his emphasis on
cultural freedoms, which he argued are integral to human development. In collaboration with the
UNDP’s *Human Development Report 2004*, Sen posited that cultural liberty, or the freedom to
choose and exercise one’s identity without facing discrimination, is crucial for the development
of diverse societies. He stressed that respecting and protecting cultural freedoms is necessary for
sustainable development in a globalized world, where economic success is deeply intertwined
with cultural inclusivity【10†source】.

Education, healthcare, and human rights became pivotal areas of focus in the human
development approach. Education, in particular, was seen as a cornerstone for enhancing
individual capabilities and driving economic and social progress. Policies began focusing on
ensuring equitable access to quality education, especially for marginalized groups. Similarly,
healthcare was recognized as a critical factor in human well-being, with policies targeting the
development of robust healthcare systems that provided equitable access to medical services.
The importance of human rights was also emphasized, as they are essential for ensuring
individuals can live with dignity and freedom. Protecting civil, political, economic, social, and
cultural rights became a central goal of development strategies【10†source】
This focus on human freedoms and capabilities marked a shift from the traditional emphasis on
economic growth to a more holistic understanding of development. The human development
approach broadened metrics beyond GDP to include a wider range of indicators reflecting
overall quality of life. This transformation had far-reaching policy implications, as governments
and organizations began incorporating broader objectives such as social inclusion, health, and
education into their development agendas. By focusing on removing barriers to freedom and
empowering individuals, the human development approach laid the foundation for more
inclusive and sustainable development policies that continue to shape global strategies today.
In conclusion, the human development approach of the 1990s, as articulated by Sen and Haq,
revolutionized the global understanding of development by focusing on capabilities, freedoms,
education, healthcare, and human rights. This shift provided a more comprehensive and humane
perspective on development, advocating for the creation of conditions where individuals can
thrive, leading to more inclusive and sustainable development outcomes that are still relevant
today.
HUMAN RIGHTS-BASED APPROACH TO DEVELOPMENT:
The 2000s witnessed a significant shift in the global development agenda with the integration of
human rights principles into development strategies through the Human Rights-Based Approach
(HRBA). This approach emphasized that development is not solely about economic growth or
poverty reduction, but also about realizing the inherent rights of individuals, including the rights
to food, water, health, education, and social security. The HRBA views development as a process
of enhancing human dignity and ensuring that every person enjoys their human rights. It is
grounded in the belief that all individuals are entitled to basic rights and freedoms and that
development efforts should aim to secure these rights.

Key principles of the HRBA include universality and inalienability, which affirm that all human
beings are entitled to their rights without discrimination. Another principle, indivisibility, asserts
that all rights—whether civil, political, economic, social, or cultural—are interconnected and
equally important. Additionally, HRBA emphasizes participation and inclusion, which advocate
for individuals and communities to play an active role in shaping the development policies and
programs that affect their lives. Accountability and the rule of law are also central to the HRBA,
as governments and other duty-bearers are responsible for respecting, protecting, and fulfilling
human rights.
A core tenet of HRBA is the integration of human rights into development objectives.
Development goals are aligned with the fulfillment of human rights, such as the right to food,
water, health, education, and social security. This approach also emphasizes the need for
marginalized and vulnerable groups to participate in decision-making processes, empowering
them to have a voice in shaping development programs. HRBA includes accountability
mechanisms, establishing legal and institutional frameworks to ensure governments and other
actors are held responsible for failing to meet their human rights obligations.
The HRBA has several key areas of focus. One of the most important is the right to food,
recognized under international human rights law, particularly in Article 11 of the International
Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). HRBA emphasizes food security,
sustainable agriculture, and ensuring access to nutritious food for all, especially vulnerable
populations. An example of this in practice is India’s National Food Security Act (2013), which
was influenced by HRBA principles.
Similarly, the right to water is recognized as essential for the enjoyment of life and all human
rights. The United Nations General Assembly Resolution 64/292 (2010) explicitly recognizes the
right to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation. HRBA promotes access to clean water and
sanitation as fundamental rights, encouraging investment in infrastructure and equitable access,
with local communities often playing a role in managing water resources.
The right to health is another focus of HRBA, recognized in Article 12 of the ICESCR. This
right includes ensuring access to healthcare services, addressing social determinants of health,
and reducing health inequalities. The global response to HIV/AIDS in the 2000s is a prime
example of the HRBA in action, focusing on access to treatment, non-discrimination, and the
involvement of affected communities in shaping health policies.
Education is another critical area addressed by HRBA. The right to education is enshrined in
multiple international instruments, including Article 13 of the ICESCR and the Convention on
the Rights of the Child (CRC). HRBA efforts focus on providing free and compulsory primary
education, eliminating gender disparities, and ensuring inclusive education for all. This was
particularly evident in programs promoting girls' education in developing countries, which aimed
to reduce barriers to education and promote gender equality.

The right to social security is also emphasized in HRBA, recognized in Article 9 of the ICESCR.
HRBA advocates for social protection systems that provide support during unemployment,
illness, disability, and old age, ensuring a basic standard of living for all. An example of this is
the expansion of social protection programs in Latin America, such as Brazil’s Bolsa Família,
which were influenced by HRBA principles to address poverty and inequality.
In terms of global policy frameworks, several United Nations agencies have adopted HRBA. The
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) integrated HRBA into its programming,
focusing on empowering marginalized groups and ensuring that human rights are at the core of
development policies. UNICEF also adopted HRBA, with a particular focus on prioritizing the
rights of children in development efforts. Additionally, while the Millennium Development
Goals (MDGs) (2000-2015) initially had a more traditional development focus, HRBA
influenced their implementation, particularly in areas such as education, health, and gender
equality. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which succeeded the MDGs, are more
explicitly aligned with HRBA principles, emphasizing the goal of "leaving no one behind."
However, the HRBA is not without its challenges. Implementation often faces capacity
constraints, especially in developing countries with limited resources, institutional weaknesses,
and a lack of political will. Balancing economic growth with the fulfillment of human rights is
another complex issue, particularly in contexts where resources are scarce. Critics have also
pointed out that HRBA may be based on Western notions of rights, which may not fully consider
cultural and contextual differences in other regions. Additionally, operationalizing HRBA
principles can be challenging, requiring significant shifts in governance and institutional
practices.
In conclusion, the Human Rights-Based Approach to Development in the 2000s represents a
paradigm shift, integrating human rights into the core of development policies and programs. By
focusing on the rights to food, water, health, education, and social security, HRBA emphasizes
the importance of empowering individuals and communities to claim their rights and holding
duty-bearers accountable. While challenges remain in implementation, HRBA has profoundly
impacted global development discourse and practice, making human rights a central element of
development efforts.
HOLISTIC APPROACH:
The Holistic-Human Rights Approach of the 2010s marked a significant evolution in the
understanding and implementation of human rights, emphasizing the interconnectedness of
economic, social, cultural, and environmental dimensions. This approach recognizes that
addressing human rights requires comprehensive and integrated strategies to achieve global
justice, moving beyond isolated rights to a more inclusive, holistic perspective.

A key dimension of this approach is the focus on economic rights. Central to this is poverty
alleviation, which involves addressing income inequality and ensuring access to basic necessities
such as food, water, and housing. It also includes promoting decent work by advocating for fair
wages, safe working conditions, and the right to unionize. Inclusive economic growth is another
critical component, ensuring that economic development benefits all sections of society,
particularly marginalized groups that are often excluded from the economic gains of
development.

Social rights also play a pivotal role in the Holistic-Human Rights Approach. One of the primary
goals is to guarantee access to quality healthcare for all, including reproductive health services.
This approach seeks to ensure that everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, has access to
healthcare. Similarly, education is seen as a fundamental social right, with a focus on providing
inclusive and equitable quality education, as well as promoting lifelong learning opportunities.
Another important aspect of social rights is social protection, which involves the implementation
of social safety nets and protection systems to support vulnerable populations, ensuring they are
not left behind in the development process.

Cultural rights form another key pillar of the holistic approach. Protecting the cultural identity of
individuals and communities, including their right to practice cultural traditions and languages, is
essential for preserving diversity and ensuring that cultural heritage is respected. The approach
also emphasizes cultural participation, ensuring that all individuals have access to cultural life,
including arts, heritage, and information. A particularly important aspect of cultural rights is the
recognition and protection of indigenous rights, which include the right of indigenous peoples to
their lands, resources, and cultural practices. This dimension of the holistic approach seeks to
rectify historical injustices and ensure that Indigenous communities are empowered to maintain
their cultural identity and heritage.

Environmental rights are another crucial element of the holistic human Rights Approach.
Sustainable development is at the core of this dimension, promoting development that meets
present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. This
involves not only fostering sustainable economic growth but also addressing environmental
degradation and resource depletion. Climate justice is a related focus, addressing the
disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable communities and advocating for
equitable solutions to environmental challenges. Furthermore, the approach emphasizes the right
to a healthy environment, which includes access to clean air, water, and land, recognizing that
environmental health is a prerequisite for human well-being.

A fundamental aspect of the holistic human Rights Approach is its recognition of the
interconnectedness of human rights. The approach advocates for an integrated strategy,
recognizing that economic, social, cultural, and environmental rights are interdependent and
indivisible. For example, addressing poverty (an economic right) may require access to education
and healthcare (social rights), while protecting indigenous rights (cultural rights) often involves
securing land and environmental protection (environmental rights). The holistic approach also
promotes global justice by advocating for policies and practices that address global inequality,
migration, and international trade. It incorporates the Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA),
ensuring that principles such as participation, accountability, and non-discrimination are
integrated into all aspects of development planning and implementation.

Several key developments and initiatives in the 2010s reflect this holistic approach. The
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by the United Nations in 2015, provide a
comprehensive framework for addressing global challenges, emphasizing the need for inclusive
and sustainable development. The SDGs integrate economic, social, and environmental
dimensions of development, aligning with the holistic approach to human rights. Another major
milestone was the Paris Agreement, also adopted in 2015, which is a landmark international
treaty on climate change. The agreement emphasizes the need for global cooperation to limit
global warming and address the impacts of climate change, particularly on vulnerable
populations. Additionally, the Human Rights Council passed various resolutions during this
decade, emphasizing the importance of integrating human rights into global efforts to tackle
issues such as climate change, poverty, and inequality.
Case studies and examples from this period further illustrate the impact of the holistic human
Rights Approach. One notable example is the implementation of Universal Health Coverage
(UHC) in various countries. UHC ensures that all individuals and communities have access to
the health services they need without suffering financial hardship, reflecting the social rights
dimension of the holistic approach. Another example is the Indigenous land rights movements,
where Indigenous communities have achieved legal victories in reclaiming and protecting their
ancestral lands, embodying both cultural and environmental rights. Finally, grassroots and
international movements advocating for climate action have gained momentum, with calls for
climate justice and the protection of environmental rights becoming central to the global
discourse on human rights.
In summary, the holistic human Rights Approach of the 2010s marked a significant shift in the
way human rights are understood and implemented. By recognizing the interdependence of
economic, social, cultural, and environmental rights, this approach calls for comprehensive,
integrated strategies that promote global justice and address the complex challenges of the 21st
century. Through initiatives like the SDGs, the Paris Agreement, and grassroots movements for
social, environmental, and cultural rights, the 2010s saw a growing commitment to ensuring that
development benefits all people and respects the full spectrum of human rights.