The United Nations Multidimensional Vulnerability Index

This paper examines the limitations of gross national income (GNI) per capita as a sole criterion for determining eligibility for international development assistance and argues for the adoption of the United Nations Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) as a complementary measure. The MVI, endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2024, provides a comprehensive framework for assessing structural vulnerability and resilience across economic, environmental and social dimensions. Using comparative analysis of small island developing States (SIDS), with a focus on the Pacific region, the paper demonstrates that many Pacific SIDS exhibit higher structural vulnerability and lower resilience than other SIDS despite being classified as middle-income countries. 

This misalignment constrains access to concessional finance and exacerbates fiscal and climate-related risks. The study highlights the Pacific’s position of “double fragility”, high exposure to external shocks coupled with limited adaptive capacity and underscores the urgency of piloting MVI implementation in the region. Policy recommendations include coordinated regional advocacy, investment in statistical systems and innovative financing mechanisms such as debt-for-climate swaps and blended finance. By integrating vulnerability into development cooperation frameworks, the MVI offers a pathway to more equitable and effective resource allocation for resilience-building and sustainable development in Pacific SIDS.

Author: Sandrine Aida Koissy-Kpein