The World in the 21st Century

The world in the 21st century is a place of profound inequalities. Chronic poverty and injustice limit people’s capacity to flourish. The Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated both – with increasing inequalities within countries as well as between them, reversing decades of progress on poverty, healthcare and education. Gender-based violence has escalated from already unacceptable levels, as have racism, nationalism and tensions based on ethnicity. Conflict and food insecurity are blighting the lives of millions of people across the world.

In addition, the triple environmental crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution risk not only destroying years of global developmental progress but also tipping the world into catastrophe.

This decade is critical. Action is needed urgently and at scale to rebuild people’s lives and renew the life of the earth. Despite the promises of a ‘new normal’ post-Covid, we have largely built back the same – which is a world facing climate crisis, with rampant poverty, inequality and injustice.

This information box provides a snapshot of the current state of affairs. The impact of the pandemic and other current crises in climate, conflict and food security continue to affect these issues.