Fight Inequality Alliance reaction - Extraordinary Committee of Independent Experts on Global Inequality Report

4 November 2025

The ‘Extraordinary Committee’ of independent experts – appointed by South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa – has today published the G20’s first-ever report on global inequality.The analysis shows the richest 1 percent captured 41 percent of all new wealth since 2000, while the bottom half of humanity received just 1 percent. Further, one in four people globally now face food insecurity even as the wealth of billionaires reaches levels equivalent to up to 16 percent of global GDP.

Jenny Ricks, General Secretary of the Fight Inequality Alliance, said: “It is an open secret now that the global economic system is rigged in favour of a handful individuals. This report spells this out and confirms what people across the world already know from experience. Extreme inequality is not inevitable. It is the result of choices governments make –- choices that they can choose to change tomorrow.”

The report also confirms the severe risks inequality poses to democratic systems and climate action. As wealth co ncentrates in the hands of a small elite, so does power, eroding trust, deepening political divides, and blocking urgent climate action.

Jenny Ricks continued: “People are skipping meals while billionaires build their bank accounts. That isn’t a natural economic outcome. It’s a system designed by and for one percent. The G20 has no excuse now. This report builds momentum that needs to be unstoppable. The evidence is there: we need to tax the ultra-rich, break up monopolies, cancel unjust debts, and invest in strong public services. We The 99 percent in communities on the frontlines are already organising and pushing for change. Governments must now match the courage of their people pushing to rewrite an economy that prioritises humanity and the planet.”

The Fight Inequality Alliance supports the recommendation to establish an International Panel on Inequality to provide ongoing global monitoring and accountability. But urgent action cannot wait.

“Panels can help. But people need justice now. We are at a crossroads: we either continue down the path of exclusion, hunger and instability, or we choose fairness, dignity and a future where the 99 percent can thrive,” said Ricks.

*The Fight Inequality Alliance is a growing global movement organising and mobilising to counter the excessive concentration of power and wealth in the hands of a small elite. FIA unites a wide range of social movements, grassroots and community based organisations, civil society organisations, trade unions, artists and individual activists from across the world who share a vision and purpose in fighting the structural causes of inequality together.

For media inquiries, contact our Media and Communications Officer, Daud Kayisi, on daud.kayisi@fightinequality.org