Why does the human development approach give the state an important role in development?

The human development approach, as conceptualized by the United Nations Development Programme, shifts the focus of development from purely macroeconomic indicators to the well-being of individuals. This approach assigns the state a central role for several key reasons:1

• Ensuring Equitable Distribution: Unlike theories that rely on national wealth generation, the human development approach recognizes that macroeconomic growth does not automatically guarantee that material well-being is distributed widely enough to support human development.1
• Protecting and Advancing Well-being: The state is viewed as the primary entity responsible for protecting and advancing sustainable human well-being. This requires active, socially oriented policies that neoliberal models often discourage.1
• Investing in Human Potential: The state is tasked with improving access to essential resources, including human resource investments, productive assets, credit facilities, information flows, and physical infrastructure.1
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups: A core function of the state in this framework is to protect the legitimate interests of workers, consumers, producers, and vulnerable populations, ensuring that development remains inclusive and secure.1

By prioritizing these functions, the state acts as a necessary guardian of human security, moving beyond the role of a passive regulator to become an active participant in fostering a decent standard of living for all.1