The growing need for systemic change
The global wealth gap continues to widen. Today, the top 1% of the world’s population controls over 44% of total wealth, while the bottom 50% owns just 1% (Credit Suisse Global Wealth Report). Beyond financial inequality, disparities in access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities further entrench systemic exclusion.
Gender and racial inequalities remain persistent. Women still earn, on average, 23% less than men worldwide, while racial minorities face wage gaps as well as disproportionate barriers to capital and education. At the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158 – roughly five generations from now – to achieve full gender parity, according to data from the World Economic Forum. Furthermore, in the US., Black and Latino entrepreneurs receive less than 3% of total venture funding, despite making up nearly 30% of the population. These statistics highlight the urgent need for change.
Social inequality is not just a moral issue – it has far-reaching economic and environmental consequences. When access to resources and opportunities is concentrated in the hands of a few, innovation slows, economic resilience weakens, and global challenges like climate change become harder to solve. True sustainability requires ensuring that progress is not just for the privileged, but for everyone.