Global inequality has no easy solutions, but there are a range of comprehensive means to address some of the fundamental aspects. First, provision of clean water and sanitation to as many people as possible is a key step. Not only is water a basic biological need, it is used for a range of other activities that are necessary for survival. Clean water is needed for drinking, cooking, washing and sanitation (lead to disease prevention), agriculture (irrigation), cooling, and a wide range of technologies (including fracking and industrial). Based on SDG#6, clean water fulfills basic human needs but also can drive development by helping to provide food (meeting another SDG#2 of eliminating hunger) and economic growth stemming from agriculture or more advanced uses of water in technology.
A second means to reduce inequality is providing access to quality education to everyone regardless of their gender, ethnicity, religion, and age (but childhood primary and secondary education should be widely available). Education is known as the great equalizer; it brings tremendous long-term benefits to populations. If education is provided equally, to both boys and girls, it is more likely to lead to a balanced and healthy society. Education is able to provide opportunities in many ways, such as more specialized work, research and development, or further expansion of academia. All of these contribute eventually to a build-up of a strong economy and public sector. An educated society is also more likely to strive towards competent governance and democracy, there is much smaller potential for conflict both internally and externally.
Finally, to reduce inequality there should be comprehensive policies introduced on gender equality, women’s rights, and other measures that protect women from sexual, domestic, economic, and societal abuse. Despite seemingly more than a century since women had received a right to vote in developed nations, for the majority of the world, women remain a ‘second-class citizen’ – they are abused, limited in rights, exploited in all areas of life. This leads to a range of consequences including poorer education, health outcomes, economic opportunities, and limited human rights. Implementing policies to provide protections and opportunities can have highly beneficial outcomes for society. These include improved maternal morbidity and mortality rates, significant economic growth as half the population would gain access to the job market (reducing income inequality in developing states), a balanced healthier society with increased diversity.
As evident, global inequality has far-reaching negative impacts on people as individuals as well as whole populations and nations. Despite the seemingly impossible challenges and goals, these issues are worth addressing because even the smallest steps towards equality similarly have a tremendous impact, building stronger societies, economic growth, and social and human rights. According to the UN, “there is a clear need to pursue inclusive, equitable, and sustainable growth, ensuring a balance among economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development” (UN, 2022).
It is important to address global inequalities in order to create a human civilization that has reached a level where everyone enjoys equal access to opportunity, basic needs, and rights. It is unjust and unfair that 30% of the world’s population lives in relative comfort while 70% are in poverty, it is inequitable that girls cannot go to school or play outside in some countries, while in others there is no drinking water. Many of the inequalities are man-made and artificially created to justify someone else’s hold on wealth or power. There are solutions, and even with limited global resources, pathways to growth and sustainability can be found. However, it takes a dedicated approach, one that is understanding of the complex nature of these inequalities in order to formulate solutions that are meaningful and long-lasting.
Reference
UN. (2022).Inequality – bridging the divide.