STWR - Share The World's Resources

Campaigners have long proposed measures to reduce extreme inequality, but policymakers remain fixated on an economic model that threatens to undermine the fabric of society. When will the political elite heed the growing demands for redistribution that are being voiced in countless reports, books and public protests? 

The World Bank's latest data suggests a decline in global poverty throughout every region of the developing world, as well as the fulfillment of the Millennium Development Goal on halving poverty well ahead of schedule. But is this really the 'good news' that we are led to believe? By Adam Parsons.

An internationally coordinated effort to secure universal social protection may not address the structural factors which make people vulnerable to poverty, but it could represent a major step forward in the fight against needless suffering and deprivation, argues Adam Parsons.

The Millennium Development Goals address the symptoms of poverty and underdevelopment, but ignore their deeper causes. According to a range of different thinkers, a modified or alternative program is needed to address the social and environmental failings of the current model of economic development.

Jeffrey Sachs' influential proposals for ending poverty lack an acknowledgement of the ongoing plunder of Africa’s resources by corporations and governments. To tackle impoverishment, development assistance must focus on justice rather than aid, argues Jason Hickel.

Growing global inequality presents a major obstacle in the fight against poverty. Redistributing resources more fairly requires a greater cooperation between governments that eschews the current ‘cut-throat’ nature of international free trade competition, says Justin Frewen.

Expert panellists and film director Philippe Diaz discuss the structural causes of poverty and suggest possible solutions at the UK premiere of ‘The End of Poverty?’ on 12th December 2009. The event was coordinated by STWR and the British Film Institute (BFI).