Inequality & Exclusion

PATHFINDERS GRAND CHALLENGE

Rising inequality and exclusion represent a formidable challenge to fulfilling the goals of the 2030 Agenda and delivering on the motto of Leaving No-One Behind. We can help reverse this trend by fostering social harmony, inclusive growth and restoring trust in politics. Building more equal and inclusive societies will help consolidate democracy and tackle collective challenges such as climate change. 

The Pathfinders’ Grand Challenge on Inequality and Exclusion is a cross-regional alliance of countries that are seeking to identify practical and politically-viable solutions to meet the targets on equitable and inclusive societies in the Sustainable Development Goals.

PRACTICAL AND POLITICALLY-VIABLE SOLUTIONS

Pathfinders have developed a challenge paper as a guiding policy framework, which covers a range of important policy areas such as political participation; spatial inclusion; technological change and the future of work; fiscal reform; and the links between gender equality and generalized equality.

Download the Challenge Paper

HIGH LEVEL POLITICAL SUPPORT

An ‘advisory group’ composed of a cross-regional grouping of eminent leaders with expertise in the areas being researched and discussed will help provide guidance and serve as a sounding board for the political feasibility and practicality of research and recommendations in different regions, contexts and settings.  A ‘group of champions’ composed of world leaders will take advantage of diplomatic calendar and events to encourage and promote efforts to address inequality and exclusion.

SHARING LESSONS

The solutions at the heart of this initiative will be informed by key partner inputs, such as insights by grassroots organizations into the lived experiences of citizens, academia analysis, and the sharing of lessons and best practices by national and regional governments.  Key findings will be made available and promoted through publications, and will serve as the basis for ongoing discussions on the grand challenge in international forums and arenas.

AREAS OF FOCUS

Some of the promising actions we should take, based on our knowledge of the benefits and what works in practice, are:

• Investing in universal health coverage and universal education for all our citizens;
   

• Agreeing fiscal compromises around more progressive taxation policies and action against corruption;
   

• Empowering social protection systems that give people dignity, justice and recognition of their equal rights in practice;
   

• Ensuring decent work and incomes for all in ways that adapt to the growth in the digital economy and technological substitution;
   

• Narrowing the gap between thriving cities and lagging regions, and within cities, paying close attention to access to housing and a place to call home;
   

• Building common ground through practical measures to increase political and social cohesion.

DOWNLOADS

Download the Challenge Paper

Download the Brochure

INPUTS TO THE CHALLENGE PAPER

• Innovative Social Protection, with contributions from the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Open Society Foundation, and The World Bank (July 8, 2019)
   

• Beneficial Ownership: The Global State of Play, by John Githongo (July 1, 2019)
   

• Creating Political Space for Fiscal Compromises: How to Build Consensus Around Progressive Taxation and Spending, by Paul Von Chamier (June 25, 2019)
   

• Rebuilding Common Ground: An Agenda for 21st Century Democratic Health and Resilience, by Alex Evans (June 18, 2019)
   

• What's Good for Women and Girls can be Good for Men and Boys, by Jeni Klugman (June 4, 2019)

ADDITIONAL BRIEFS & COMMENTARY