Joint Declaration of Intent on the Global Alliance Against Inequality

We, the undersigned members of the Global Alliance Against Inequality, recognize that inequality both between and within countries is continuously weakening progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, social cohesion and good governance worldwide. Inequality in all its forms and dimensions can erode trust in institutions. Extreme inequalities and power imbalances with a concentration of wealth and influence in the hands of a few at the expense of the majority hinder essential policy reforms. We will collectively seek to ensure that the reduction of inequality is strengthened as a global priority on the international agenda and that an overarching framework for action requiring sustained political will is further developed.

We affirm that inequality is a shared challenge that requires collective solutions. No country is immune to inequality, and in every society there are people at risk of being left behind due to systemic barriers and entrenched disparities. Our world is deeply interconnected, as evidenced by the global impacts of climate change, conflicts, market shocks, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, tackling inequality requires sustained international cooperation, cross-regional solidarity, exchange of feasible good practices and active engagement with civil society, the private sector and international organizations. We have reached a common understanding to leverage these partnerships in order to drive meaningful and sustained action, ensuring that equality, inequality reduction, equity, inclusion and the “Leave No One Behind” (LNOB) principle of the 2030 Agenda remain central to global policymaking and development efforts.

We acknowledge that the high levels of inequality we see today are evitable and that every policy has the potential to reduce inequalities or to deepen them. Furthermore, we will explore options for embedding equality and anti-discrimination strategies in national development and/or sustainability plans and support regional efforts to craft and implement effective policies.

We desire to advocate for policies that consider fair mechanisms of distribution, and prioritize universal social protection and equitable access to public services and goods, ensuring that no one is left behind, regardless of race, sex, language, religion, age, ethnicity, disability, migrant or economic status or other factors. We seek to strengthen data collection and evidence-based policymaking, which are key to accurately assessing inequality.

Finally, we are seeing an increase in the mainstreaming of disinformation and divisive strategies that pit groups against each other, deepen prejudice, fuel polarization and frequently undermine efforts to advance equality, equity and justice. As members of this Alliance, we have reached a common understanding to reject divisive rhetoric, scapegoating and narratives that foster division based on nationality, race, origin, gender, religion, or any other status. On the contrary we will seek to ensure that policy decisions are grounded in data and evidence, and promote dialogue, inclusion and fairness rather than exclusion and fear.

Together, as a cross-regional alliance, working with governments, civil society, academia and international organizations, we have reached a common understanding to act with courage and collective responsibility to dismantle and tackle the structures that sustain inequality, forging a future in which fairness, dignity and shared prosperity leave no one behind.

Signed on 3 June 2025 in Hamburg, Germany