Unfair and Unequal - New UNDP report sheds light on discontent across the globe. Despite substantial gains in health, education and living standards, the basic needs of many remain unmet while a next generation of inequalities opens, pushing the wealthiest ahead.Inequalities are deeply rooted in our societies, economies and politics. Birthplace and parental income determine many lives. Inequalities can start early, grow, and may be passed across generations.
But action is possible. It requires more than redistribution. It requires decoupling political and economic power and leveling the economic playing field. It also requires continuing action to close the gaps in basic deprivations while reversing the growing next generation of inequalities in human development. People’s discontent with inequality is linked to perceptions of unfairness in their societies. Depth’s of inequality must be assessed beyond income, averages & beyond today. First, while many people are stepping above minimum floors of achievement in human development, widespread disparities remain. Second, a new generation of severe inequalities in human development is emerging, even if many of the unresolved inequalities of the 20th century are declining. Third, inequalities in human development can accumulate through life, frequently heightened by deep power imbalances. Fourth, assessing inequalities in human development demands a revolution in metrics. Fifth, redressing inequalities in human development in the 21st century is possible—if we act now, before imbalances in economic power translate into entrenched political dominance. The future of inequalities in human development in the 21st century is in our hands. But we cannot be complacent. The climate crisis shows that the price of inaction compounds over time, as it feeds further inequality, which can in turn make action on climate more difficult. Technology is already changing labour markets and lives, but not yet locked-in is the extent to which machines may replace people. We are, however, approaching a precipice beyond which it will be difficult to recover. We do have a choice, and we must exercise it now.
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Q95 NewsCurrent and past news stories. Archives
April 2024
Categories |