There have been substantial achievements attained in the world economy – where the standard of living for over half a billion people in emerging economies has been raised, for example in nations like China, India and Brazil. There have been significant triumphs in the tech and ICT sector with various innovations, with the propensity to improve the quality of life, coming to fruition. Bearing all these attainments in mind, there have also been many ways whereby the world economy could have raised even more people out of poverty. Despite the improvements in the standard of living (for some) in emerging economies, there have been increasing inequalities within such countries. Such vast inequalities within countries, despite the prosperity of such nations, has the susceptibility to disintegrate social cohesion and reduce social justice for those at the bottom of the economic pyramid.
In a July 31, 2017 Interview, The Global Communiqué engaged in conversation with social and economic rights advocate, women’s rights activist and Executive Director of Oxfam International, Winnie Byanyima. The discussion covered a variety of topics, among others, including: curbing extreme inequalities in the global economy, ways to achieve a “just world without poverty”, leveling the playing field for those at the bottom of the economic pyramid, improving labour conditions for downstream garment makers in the supply chains of big businesses and much more. Watch the full interview here.
Raising the standard of living is not just for the few, but for all. Social and economic inclusion promotes social and economic stability. To achieve this grand goal, opportunities should be made equally available; effective redistributive policies should be put into effect; governments should govern for its people, and the international community should cooperate and coordinate efforts to curb extreme inequalities. Social and economic inclusion is the goal. The 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda is to ensure that “no one is left behind”.
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The interview has been conducted by Mary-Jean Nleya, the Founder & Editor of The Global Communiqué and One Young World Ambassador. In 2017 she was selected as an UNLEASH SDG Talent and a G20 Young Global Changer. Follow on Twitter: @thegloco.
