In a pre-recorded message to a high-level event at the 81st UN General Assembly, SA President Cyril Ramaphosa urged countries to build a broader multilateral coalition focused on reducing economic and social disparities. “The task before us is a formidable one, to build a new multilateral frontier and expand our global coalition against inequality,” Ramaphosa said.
“At its heart is the International Panel on Inequality.”
Ramaphosa said the decision to establish the Panel was among the most significant outcomes of SA’s Group of Twenty Presidency in 2025.
The initiative builds on Brazil’s previous G20 Presidency, which placed inequality at the centre of discussions among the world’s leading economies.
Ramaphosa said the number of countries supporting the proposed International Panel on Inequality (IPI) was increasing. “It is time to accelerate the momentum and to get the backing of the General Assembly for a resolution on the IPI,” Ramaphosa said.
The proposed body would provide evidence, research and policy analysis to help governments understand the causes of inequality and identify effective responses.
Ramaphosa cited South Africa’s Founding President Nelson Mandela, who warned that no person could rest while poverty, injustice and severe inequality persisted. “In the spirit of Madiba’s words, let today be a day of action,” Ramaphosa said.
Ramaphosa also referred to Economist Professor Joseph Stiglitz’s view that inequality was neither unavoidable nor beyond the ability of governments and international institutions to address. “As Professor Joseph Stiglitz reminds us, inequality is not and never has been inevitable,” Ramaphosa said.
“It is a problem we can solve with evidence, analysis and cooperation.”
The event brought together leaders and representatives supporting coordinated global measures against inequality.
Ramaphosa called on governments to maintain momentum towards establishing the Panel and securing formal support through the UN General Assembly. “Let us forge forward in the spirit of cooperation and common purpose,” Ramaphosa said.
“An International Panel on Inequality is now firmly on the horizon and fully within our grasp.”
–ChannelAfrica–
