G20 Global Inequality Report 2025: Key Findings
Why in the news
A report commissioned by South Africa’s G20 Presidency called global inequality an ’emergency’, noting that India’s richest 1% grew wealth by 62% across 2000-2023.
Key facts
- Over half of countries, holding 74% of world population, saw wealth concentrate at the top 1%.
- Gaps between countries narrowed slightly as populous China and India grew, trimming high-income countries’ share of global GDP.
- Inequality threatens democracy, economic stability and climate progress.
| Impact | Figure |
|---|---|
| Democratic decline risk in high-inequality countries | Seven times higher |
| Food insecurity | 2.3 billion people, 335 million more than 2019 |
| Lacking essential health services | Half the world |
| Pushed into poverty by health spending | 1.3 billion |
Recommendations
- Political will and global coordination led by the G20.
- Set up the International Panel on Inequality to monitor trends, starting under the South African presidency.
India context
- Millionaires up 6% in 2024; 191 billionaires.
Exam angle
- Commissioned by: South African G20 Presidency.
- Proposed body: IPI, like the IPCC.