PASSAGE ON World Bank’s Human Capital Index

lives—is a central driver of sustainable growth and poverty reduction. More human capital is associated with higher earnings for people, higher income for countries, and stronger cohesion in societies.

The __X__ is an international metric that benchmarks the key components of human capital across economies. It was launched in 2018 as part of the Human Capital Project, a global effort to accelerate progress toward a world where all children can achieve their full potential. The new data—collected before the global onset of COVID-19—can act as a baseline to track its effects on health and education outcomes.  

World Bank President David Malpass said that the coronavirus has deepened inequality globally, in addition to increasing poverty and distress. “We’re working with countries to try to protect people during the crisis and also invest in them so that we can see the recovery and lay a foundation for future inclusive growth,” he said.