How can we fix a system that fuels rampant inequality?

Nearly a decade ago, nations worldwide committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with the first goal focused on ending poverty in all its forms by 2030. Whilst some progress has been made, we remain well off track to reach this ambitious target.
 
Poverty reduction has stalled, whilst a new report by Oxfam – launched during the recent World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos – highlights how rising inequality is being driven by today’s colonial economic system. It finds billionaire wealth rose three times faster in 2024 than in 2023, and most of this is taken – not earned. 

What’s driving these worrying trends? Are policy-makers addressing the root causes, or are systemic issues being overlooked? And what must be done to shift the course, especially amidst rising global uncertainties that could reshape international cooperation? 

Guests

• Sara Pantuliano (host), Chief Executive, ODI Global
• Anthony Kamande, Inequality and Policy Research Advisor, Oxfam International. Anthony was also one of the key authors of Oxfam’s annual inequality report this year.
• Sofía Sprechmann Sineiro, Chair, Pledge for Change on Decolonising Aid and former Secretary General, CARE International
• Kevin Watkins, Distinguished Fellow and former Executive Director, ODI Global. Kevin has long been a key voice on education, development finance, and the need for equitable public policy.
  
  

Related resources

• Rethinking policy for a new era of poverty (Event video, ODI Global)
  
  
• Takers Not Makers: The unjust poverty and unearned wealth of colonialism (Report, Oxfam International)
  
  
• SDG 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere (UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs)
  
  
• Financing the fight against poverty and hunger - mobilising resources for a sustainable development goal reset (Report, ODI Global)
  
  
• What does poverty really mean today? (Think Change podcast, ODI Global)