REQUIREMENTS FOR HUMAN RESOURCE COMPETENCIES IN THE CONTEXT OF THE UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME’S HUMAN DEVELOPMENT REPORT 2023–2024

Abstract

The article examines the changing requirements for human resource competencies in the context of the UNDP Human Development Report 2023–2024. It focuses on global stagnation, growing inequalities, climate and geopolitical crises, digital transformation, and political polarization as key drivers reshaping the profile of required knowledge, skills, and attitudes. The paper argues that the traditional human capital paradigm is insufficient and that a broader understanding of human agency, collective participation, and the capacity to manage uncertainty is needed. Special attention is given to the role of higher education as a critical institutional mediator for developing systems thinking, digital and AI literacy, resilience, collective action, and civic engagement. The article concludes that university curricula and skills policies need to be transformed in order to support a more equitable, sustainable, and adaptive model of social development.