Trinidad and Tobago Shines in the 2025 HDR, But the AI Age Demands Bold Choices

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - Despite global uncertainty and uneven recovery from recent crises, Trinidad and Tobago continues to rise.

Ugo BlancoThe 2025 Human Development Report (HDR), titled “A Matter of  Choice: People and Possibilities in the Age of AI,”  confirms that our nation remains among the countries with very high human development. Grouped alongside nations like Barbados, Albania, and Mauritius, Trinidad and Tobago’s ranking reflects decades of investment in health, education, and economic opportunity.

Published by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the HDR moves beyond income levels to assess the true quality of life—capturing the real freedoms people have to live the lives they value. This year, artificial intelligence (AI) stands out as both a powerful tool and a growing challenge. Managed wisely, AI can accelerate development. Left unchecked, it can deepen divides and increase inequalities.

Trinidad and Tobago is showing signs of readiness. The recent announcement by  Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, that her government will establish an Ministry of Public Administration and AI under the leadership of Minister Dominic Smith is a bold and timely step.

It signals that Trinidad and Tobago is not content to merely respond to global trends—we are intent on shaping them. This decision demonstrates a clear commitment to responsible innovation and positions the country as a regional leader in inclusive, people-centered digital revolution.

Still, the global picture painted by the 2025 HDR is sobering. Human development progress in our planet has slowed to its weakest pace in 35 years. The gap between rich and poor nations is growing again. The report calls for bold action to prevent prolonged stagnation and to reignite progress—particularly through the smart, inclusive use of emerging technologies like AI.

The good news is that there are signs of public readiness. In a global survey conducted for the report, 60 percent of people expressed hope that AI will generate new job opportunities. More than two-thirds of those in lower human development countries expect to use AI in education, healthcare, or work within the next year. But optimism is not enough. The report urges urgent investment in digital infrastructure, inclusive education, and strong governance frameworks to ensure AI supports—not replaces—human agency and choice.

In Trinidad and Tobago, this means ensuring that a student in Moruga has the same access to online learning as one in Port of Spain. That a farmer in Tobago can use predictive tools to improve crop yields. That AI helps doctors in rural health centres deliver better, more efficient care. UNDP is already working with national partners to make these ideas a reality— from flood prediction and clean energy tools to training public servants in digital skills.

At UNDP, we believe that the real promise of AI lies not in replacing human intelligence, but in expanding human potential. That requires policies rooted in equity, systems designed around human needs, and leadership with the courage to make the right choices. As the report reminds us, AI is not destiny—it is a matter of choice.

And Trinidad and Tobago has made the choice to invest in its people, and the results are clear. The country’s strong standing in this year’s report is proof of that commitment. But keeping this momentum in the AI era means embracing innovation without leaving anyone behind, and pursuing ambition grounded in accountability.

UNDP stands ready to continue supporting the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to ensure the country’s digital progress reflects global best practices, meets national goals, and delivers meaningful results—especially for those who need it most. With the right investments today, AI can become more than just a technology—it can become a bridge to a better, fairer future for every Trinbagonian.

Let us make the right choices—together.

Ugo Blanco, is the Resident Representative, UNDP Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten.