Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10): Reduce Inequality Within and Among Countries

Inequality is one of the most persistent challenges of our time. Despite advances in technology, globalization, and overall economic growth, vast disparities remain in income, wealth, education, and opportunities — both within and among countries. The tenth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 10) — Reduced Inequalities — aims to reduce inequality within and among countries by 2030. It calls for fair distribution of income, social protection for all, and the political and economic inclusion of every individual, regardless of age, gender, disability, race, ethnicity, religion, or economic status.

Reducing inequality is not only a moral imperative but also an economic necessity. High inequality undermines social cohesion, erodes trust in institutions, slows economic growth, and threatens political stability. SDG 10 envisions a more equitable global society where opportunities, resources, and representation are shared fairly, enabling everyone to achieve their potential.

Understanding SDG 10

Inequality manifests in multiple forms — economic, social, spatial, and political. Economic inequality involves disparities in income and wealth distribution. Social inequality refers to unequal access to education, healthcare, and justice. Spatial inequality is visible in the divide between urban and rural areas, or between developed and developing nations. SDG 10 adopts a multidimensional approach that addresses all these forms, focusing on inclusion, empowerment, and equitable growth.

While globalization and technological progress have lifted millions out of poverty, they have also widened the gap between the rich and the poor. The top 1% of the global population owns nearly half of the world’s wealth, while billions struggle to meet basic needs. Achieving SDG 10 requires addressing structural barriers that perpetuate inequality — including unfair trade practices, unequal access to finance, and systemic discrimination.

Targets of SDG 10

The United Nations outlines several specific targets to reduce inequality within and among countries by 2030:

  1. Sustain income growth of the bottom 40% of the population at a rate higher than the national average.
  2. Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, gender, disability, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic status.
  3. Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome through the elimination of discriminatory laws, policies, and practices.
  4. Adopt fiscal, wage, and social protection policies that progressively achieve greater equality.
  5. Improve regulation and monitoring of global financial markets and ensure enhanced representation of developing countries in international financial and economic institutions.
  6. Facilitate safe and regular migration, ensuring orderly, responsible policies for mobility of people.
  7. Encourage official development assistance (ODA) and financial flows, including foreign direct investment (FDI), to states most in need, particularly least developed countries (LDCs).
  8. Reduce transaction costs for remittances sent by migrants to less than 3% by 2030.

These targets recognize that reducing inequality requires both domestic policy reforms and international cooperation to balance the global economic order.

Global Progress and Challenges

Over the past few decades, some progress has been made in narrowing gaps between countries. Developing economies such as China, India, and Vietnam have experienced rapid growth, reducing poverty rates and improving living standards. However, inequalities within countries have widened. According to the World Inequality Report (2023), income inequality within nations has reached alarming levels: the richest 10% earn more than half of all global income, while the poorest 50% receive only 8%.

Gender inequality, discrimination against minorities, and barriers faced by persons with disabilities further compound social exclusion. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these inequalities — millions of low-income workers lost their jobs, while wealth among the world’s billionaires increased dramatically.

Global inequalities persist as well. Many developing nations face debt burdens, limited access to vaccines and technology, and unequal participation in trade and decision-making institutions. The digital divide also widens inequality — about 2.6 billion people remain offline, lacking access to education, information, and economic opportunities.

Strategies for Achieving SDG 10

  1. Progressive Fiscal and Wage Policies
    Governments must implement equitable tax systems, minimum wage laws, and social protection programs. Progressive taxation ensures that the wealthiest contribute fairly to public services, while social transfers reduce poverty and inequality.
  2. Universal Social Protection Systems
    Expanding access to healthcare, education, pensions, and unemployment benefits ensures a safety net for the most vulnerable populations. Such systems promote equity and social cohesion.
  3. Equal Opportunity and Anti-Discrimination Measures
    Legal reforms must guarantee equal rights for all. Eliminating discriminatory laws, ensuring gender equality, and protecting the rights of migrants and minorities are vital for social inclusion.
  4. Inclusive Economic Growth
    Policies should focus on employment generation, skill development, and support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Ensuring that economic growth benefits the poorest segments of society fosters shared prosperity.
  5. Empowering Marginalized Communities
    Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups must be empowered through representation, education, and access to decision-making platforms. Participation strengthens democratic inclusion.
  6. Regulating Global Financial Systems
    Strengthening international financial institutions to represent developing countries more equitably can promote fairer global governance. Transparency in trade, taxation, and debt management reduces structural disparities.
  7. Facilitating Safe Migration and Remittances
    Migrant workers contribute significantly to global economies. Ensuring their rights, reducing remittance costs, and supporting diaspora engagement can enhance global equality.
  8. Bridging the Digital Divide
    Expanding affordable internet access and digital literacy programs is crucial to prevent technological exclusion. Digital inclusion creates opportunities for education, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
  9. International Cooperation and Development Assistance
    Wealthier nations must uphold their commitments to provide 0.7% of gross national income (GNI) as official development assistance to developing countries. Technology transfer and capacity-building initiatives can further level the playing field.

Case Studies and Best Practices

Countries like Norway, Sweden, and Denmark exemplify successful models of equitable societies, combining strong social protection systems with progressive taxation and inclusive governance. In Latin America, nations such as Uruguay and Chile have reduced inequality through targeted social programs and education reforms. The European Union’s cohesion policy also demonstrates how regional integration and solidarity funding can reduce inequalities between richer and poorer regions.

The Way Forward

Reducing inequality requires structural change — both nationally and globally. Economic systems must prioritize fairness, inclusion, and sustainability over short-term profit. Governments must address inequalities in wealth distribution, access to services, and political representation.

At the same time, international cooperation is essential to reform trade, finance, and technology systems that perpetuate global disparities. The empowerment of marginalized groups — particularly women, youth, migrants, and minorities — must remain at the center of all development strategies.

Conclusion

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities envisions a fair and inclusive world where prosperity is shared, opportunities are equal, and diversity is celebrated. Achieving this goal requires bold policies, ethical leadership, and collective global responsibility.

Reducing inequality strengthens democracy, boosts social trust, and accelerates sustainable growth. It ensures that no one — regardless of who they are or where they come from — is left behind in humanity’s progress. As the world advances toward 2030, SDG 10 reminds us that true development can only be achieved when equity and justice become the foundations of our societies.