Development, in its broadest sense, is a multifaceted process that engenders growth, fosters progress, and brings about positive transformation. It involves the augmentation of various components - physical, economic, environmental, social, and demographic. The ultimate objective of development is to elevate the standard and quality of life for the populace, stimulate regional income, and create employment opportunities, all while preserving the integrity of the environment. Development, though not always immediately apparent, is a tangible and beneficial phenomenon that instigates quality change and lays the groundwork for sustained progress.

The global discourse began to pivot towards development during the latter half of the twentieth century. It was recognized that economic growth did not inherently translate into an improved quality of life for global populations. This realization underscored the necessity for policies that would effectively allocate resources and facilitate socio-economic mobility across diverse strata of society.

Over time, numerous definitions and interpretations of the term “development” have been proposed by professionals and researchers. For instance, Amartya Sen formulated the “capability approach,” defining development as a means to empower individuals to realize their full potential by ensuring freedom of action - be it economic, social, or familial. This approach laid the foundation for the Human Development Index (HDI), introduced by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in 1990. Martha Nussbaum, focusing on gender, championed the abilities approach and highlighted the empowerment of women as a crucial aspect of development.

Conversely, experts like Jeffrey Sachs and Paul Collier have concentrated on the factors that hinder development in various nations, trapping them in prolonged poverty. These “poverty traps” include civil wars, natural resources, and poverty itself. Identifying these traps allows for a comprehensive understanding of a country’s political, economic, and social conditions, thereby facilitating the advancement of development. A key emphasis in Jeffrey Sachs’ work is the promotion of sustainable development, which advocates for growth and development to enhance the living standards of today’s global citizens, while considering the needs of the environment and future generations.