SDG Goal 10: Reduce Inequality Within and Among Countries

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10 aims to reduce inequality within and among countries. This goal focuses on addressing disparities in wealth, opportunities, access to services, and participation in decision-making processes. Inequality is often a key driver of poverty and social unrest, and reducing it is critical for achieving broader sustainable development goals.

Long-term social and economic advancement, poverty alleviation, and people’s sense of fulfillment and self-worth are all threatened by inequality. In the majority of countries, the incomes of the 40 percent of the population that live in poverty have been increasing at a faster rate than the national average. However, new, conflicting data indicates that COVID-19 might have halted this upward tendency in within-country inequality. The greatest increase in inter-country disparity in thirty years has been brought on by the pandemic. Equitable resource distribution, education and skill development investments, social protection measures, anti-discrimination efforts, assistance for marginalized groups, and international collaboration for fair trade and financial systems are all necessary to reduce inequality within and between nations.

Why is it necessary to lessen inequality?

Around the world, disparities in opportunity, wealth, sex, age, handicap, sexual orientation, color, class, ethnicity, and religion still exist. Long-term social and economic advancement, poverty alleviation, and people’s sense of fulfillment and self-worth are all threatened by inequality. Crime, illness, and environmental damage can then result from this. If people are denied the opportunity to live better lives, we cannot attain sustainable development and improve the earth for everybody.

Which instances of inequality are there?

Every day, women and children without access to healthcare pass away during delivery or from avoidable illnesses like measles and tuberculosis. Every nation in the world faces discrimination and a lack of opportunity for older people, migrants, and refugees. Five out of ten people said they have experienced discrimination on at least one basis that is illegal under international human rights law. Women and individuals with disabilities are disproportionately affected by discrimination, which has affected one in six people globally. Religion, nationality, gender, and sexual preference are just a few of the numerous overlapping types of discrimination, which highlights the critical need for action to combat hate speech and discriminatory actions in general.

How can discrimination be addressed?

We are all connected in the modern world. Issues and difficulties such as economic crises, migration, poverty, and climate change are never limited to a single nation or area. There are still areas in the wealthiest nations where people live in extreme poverty. Religious intolerance, racism, and homophobia and transphobia continue to plague even the oldest democracies. No matter who we are or where we come from, we are all impacted by global inequality.

Is it possible to attain equality for all?

It is possible and ought to be accomplished in order to guarantee everyone a life of dignity. Universal political, economic, and social policies are required, with special consideration given to the demands of underprivileged and marginalized groups.

How can we proceed?

In order to reduce inequality, radical change is needed. Extreme poverty and hunger must be eradicated, and more money must be spent on social safety, health care, education, and good work, particularly for young people, immigrants, refugees, and other vulnerable groups.
 Empowerment and inclusive social and economic prosperity are crucial inside nations. Eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices will guarantee equal opportunity and lessen income disparities. In order to make decisions on international issues more effective, trustworthy, and accountable, we must make sure that emerging nations are more represented among nations. For the millions of people who have fled their homes in search of better lives because of war, discrimination, poverty, lack of opportunity, and other migration-related factors, governments and other stakeholders can also encourage safe, regular, and responsible migration, including through well-thought-out and managed policies.

Goal 10 targets

• In the majority of countries, the incomes of the 40 percent of the population that live in poverty have been increasing at a faster rate than the national average. However, new, conflicting data indicates that COVID-19 might have halted this upward tendency in within-country inequality. Additionally, the pandemic has led to the biggest increase in inter-country disparity in thirty years.
  Women and individuals with disabilities are disproportionately affected by discrimination, which has affected one in six people globally.
• The greatest number of refugees ever recorded—34.6 million—occurred in 2022. With almost 7,000 deaths reported worldwide, this year is also a tragic one for migrants.
• Equitable resource distribution, education and skill development investments, social protection measures, anti-discrimination efforts, assistance for marginalized groups, and international collaboration for fair trade and financial systems are all necessary to reduce inequality within and between nations.