A roadmap to greater inclusion
With extreme poverty already on the rise as a result of the pandemic — and with climate change threatening to deepen inequality still further as vulnerable communities are hit first and worst by its effects — an economic system that is fairer, more trustworthy and capable of addressing humanity’s most profound challenges is urgently needed.
Business is, of course, a critical actor in forging that system. With revenues bigger than some countries and supply chains that wrap around the globe, business exerts incredible influence over societies and ecosystems. Rightly, people increasingly expect the companies they work for, buy from and invest in to channel their knowledge, resources and influence toward tackling society’s toughest challenges, including social inequality.
As the framework in this playbook illustrates, true inclusion of low-income and marginalized communities calls for a much more systemic approach. This includes not only extending affordable access to life-enhancing products and services, but also providing opportunities for decent employment, distributing value more equitably throughout supply chains, and broadening participation in governance and ownership.