The concept of human capital through the prism of international economic relations and the problem of achieving sustainable development goals are considered in this paper. The value of HCI in the system of assessing the prospects for the development of human capital at the global level is shown. The characteristics of the relationship between HCI components and sustainable development goals are given. The analysis of the ranking of the countries of the world by the HCI is given. The features of the BRICS countries are revealed: despite the high potential for the development of human capital, it is not always used effectively, which is reflected in the implementation of the program to achieve sustainable development goals. It is shown that in modern conditions, the concept of sustainable development of human capital is of decisive methodological importance. It is based on the need to maintain a balance of various spheres of human life, reflecting, in fact, the quality of his life. The COVID-19 pandemic has strengthened the importance of anchoring the principles of this concept at the global level.