The case for focusing on inequality

Can social development be achieved without focusing on inequality? If this question had been posed during the World Summit for Social Development, the answer would have been a resounding “No!”. A people-centred approach to development, as advocated in the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and the Programme of Action of the World Summit for Social Development, must have the principles of equity and equality at its core, as graphically illustrated in figure I, so that all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, have unimpeded access to resources and opportunities. The world today is far from equal, however, as evidenced by growing gaps between the rich and the poor. These gaps exist not only in income and assets, but also in the quality and accessibility of education, health care and employment opportunities, in the protection of human rights, and in access to political power and representation.

Sustainable Development Goals:

No Poverty

Reduced Inequalities