Human Potential in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Issues of Inequality and Fulfillment Efficiency

Abstract

The article is devoted to the analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic impact on human potential in the context of overcoming social inequality and ensuring its optimal fulfillment in the face of unexpected and unpredictable threats. The nature of the pandemic impact on economic and social sphere, as well as the most vulnerable areas of the human potential formation and development has been studied. The degree of social inequality influence on the level of social and economic systems of different levels vulnerability, the role of human development indicators in the ability to respond quickly to pandemic threats, to ensure required level of security, and availability of necessary benefits has been defined. It is substantiated that lower levels of human development increase social inequality, deepen problems and crises, neutralize efforts to overcome and prevent the spread of threats, and erroneous decisions and ineffective short-term measures can have a devastating impact in the strategic perspective. Determinants influencing the degree of social and economic systems readiness to respond objectively to the challenges of the pandemic, overcome spatial and social constraints, ensure the continuity of formation and effective fulfillment of human potential are identified. The study revealed necessity to restructure strategic planning of cities as the main centers of human development, which play a critical role in the system for preventing the spread of pandemic threats and are able to maximize economic and social resources to develop effective solutions and consolidate society's efforts in the face of future pandemic risks. The main directions to improve long-term urban planning in order to prevent manifestations of inequality, to ensure quality conditions for building, preservation, development and effective fulfillment of human potential are outlined.