‘Inequality defines us’
CRITICAL: UN CHIEF DELIVERS HARD-HITTING MANDELA DAY LECTURE
‘Pandemic has demonstrated the fragility of our world, laid bare the greed among the elite.’
In no uncertain terms, United Nations secretary-general António Guterres put into clear perspective stark social, economic, political and global inequalities rampant today and added that a new social contract was needed to bridge these gaps.
Speaking at the 18th Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture, Guterres did not mince his words, saying the world had “been brought to our knees – by a microscopic virus”.
“The pandemic has demonstrated the fragility of our world.”
His lecture laid bare the greed among elite private business and people who played a role in exacerbating inequalities well before the Covid-19 pandemic.
“More than 70% of the world’s people are living with rising income and wealth inequality. The 26 richest people in the world hold as much wealth as half the global population,” Guterres said.
“But income, pay and wealth are not the only measures of inequality. People’s chances in life depend on their gender, family and ethnic background, race, whether or not they have a disability and other factors.
“Multiple inequalities intersect and reinforce each other across the generations. The lives and expectations of millions of people are largely determined by their circumstances at birth.
“Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, many people around the globe understood that inequality was undermining their life chances and opportunities.
“They saw a world out of balance. They felt left behind. They saw economic policies channelling resources upwards to the privileged few.”
Guterres said with the expansion of trade and technological progress, shifts in income distribution were seen on an unprecedented level. “Between 1980 and 2016, the world’s richest 1% captured 27% of the total cumulative growth in income.
“Low-skilled workers face an onslaught from new technologies, automation, the offshoring of manufacturing and the demise of labour organisations.
“Tax concessions, tax avoidance and tax evasion remain widespread,” he said.
He said that taxation and redistribution policies also have a role in the new social contract.
Guterres also addressed rampant corruption.
“We must break the cycle of corruption, which is both a cause and effect of inequality. Corruption reduces and wastes funds available for social protection; it weakens social norms and the rule of law.
“And fighting corruption depends on accountability. The greatest guarantee of accountability is a vibrant civil society, including a free, independent media and responsible social media platforms that encourage debate,” he said. – News24 Wire
Fighting corruption depends on accountability