UNDESA World Society Report 2020
The challenge of inequality in a rapidly changing world
of World Social Report 2020 This study examines the impact of four megatrends on inequality: technological innovation, climate change, urbanization, and international migration. Technological change drives economic growth and opens new possibilities in health care, education, communication, and productivity. But it can also exacerbate wage inequality and cause workers to be laid off. The accelerating winds of climate change are blowing across the world, but the poorest countries and groups are suffering the most, especially those trying to make a living in rural areas. Urbanization offers unparalleled opportunities, but the widening and increasing levels of inequality are even more pronounced in cities because of the close proximity of dire poverty and abundant wealth. International migration enables millions of people to seek new opportunities and contributes to reducing global inequality, but only if it takes place under orderly and safe conditions.
Whether these megatrends are harnessed to promote a more just and sustainable world, or are allowed to exacerbate inequality and division, will largely determine the shape of our common future.
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Report summary
References
Chapter 1:
Inequality: Where we stand today
Chapter 2:
Technological revolution: winners and losers
Chapter 3:
Climate change: worsening poverty and inequality
Chapter 4:
Urbanization: Expanding opportunities, but deepening chasms
Chapter 5:
International migration: The power to achieve equality under the right conditions
Chapter 6:
Promoting equality and social justice in a changing world
2020 World Social Report launch press conference January 21, 2020
Elliot Harris (left), United Nations Chief Economist and Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Development, briefs reporters on the publication of the 2020 World Social Report. Joining him is Ms. Marta Roig, Head of Emerging Trends and Issues at the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA).
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