Fight inequality

• In 2022 we reported that the ten richest men doubled their fortunes in the pandemic, while the incomes of 99% of humanity fell.
• In 2023 we found the richest 1% grabbed nearly twice as much new wealth as rest of the world put together. All whilst poverty increased for the first time in 25 years.
• In 2024 we reported that the wealth of the five richest men doubled since 2020, as wealth of five billion people fell.
• In 2025 we found that billionaire wealth surged three times faster in 2024 than the previous year. The world is now on track for at least five trillionaires within a decade.

This is what an inequality crisis looks like.

These are all symptoms of an unequal economic system. One that prioritises the wealth of a few and sees billionaires and big business profiting more than ever. While most people, especially those living in poverty, pay the price.

Imagine a world where success isn’t just measured by money, but by the health and happiness of people, communities, and the planet. An economy where everyone has a say, and power and wealth is shared, not hoarded.

We need to make it clear to those in power: enough is enough. We won’t accept this any longer. Governments and institutions have the power to change things, and it should start with one simple step – make the super-rich pay their fair share.

If they paid more in taxes, that money could fund things that benefit us all - like healthcare, education, fair wages, and protecting the environment.

Inequality is the unequal and unfair distribution of resources, opportunities, and power that shapes the quality of all of our lives.

There are many different forms of inequality (economic, gender, race, class, health, sexuality, and more). When put together (intersecting), they can result in people experiencing greater levels of inequality.

• We’re seeing extreme wealth go through the roof. Billionaires like to call themselves "self-made". Spoiler alert: 60% of their wealth actually comes from family inheritance, monopolies, and cronyism. They're not makers – they’re takers, cashing special favours from powerful pals, crushing competition and inheriting massive fortunes.
• This system has been rigged for centuries, and colonialism played a huge role. People think colonialism – one of the world’s biggest heists, stealing land, resources, and people – is a thing of the past. But here’s the truth: the 1% made a fortune then, and they’re still cashing in today.
• Modern colonialism might look different, but the game is the same. The rigged rules and uneven playing field set up then to benefit the few, persist today. And it’s the rest of us – countries and individuals – who are paying the price. In 2023, the Global North drained $921 billion from the Global South, four times what was spent on aid.

Yes. The richest 1% are responsible for as much pollution as two-thirds of the world combined. They have the resources to shield themselves from the worst of it, while the poorest – who’ve done the least damage – are getting the worst of it: floods, droughts, rising seas.

Oxfam works to tackle inequality because inequality makes poverty worse. Inequality undermines the fight against poverty in the UK and around the world.

We’ve been seeing this for decades through our work in communities and in our research. What we are living through today is more than a cost-of-living crisis, it’s an inequality crisis and it’s deepening poverty the world-over.

Governments can make choices that prevent inequality. They can make choices that mean people can live safe from hardship. Instead, governments worldwide are making choices designed to protect the power and wealth of a privileged few, while removing the power of everyday people.

By failing to listen, failing to provide opportunities, and failing to invest in vital support systems (like child and adult care services, social protection and benefits, and international aid, etc.) they are rigging the system in favour of the rich.

These choices are taking away people’s right to survive, let alone opportunities to thrive. Let’s reclaim our collective power and hold decision makers to account. Let's push governments to make better choices. So that those who profit the most, who can afford it the most, foot the bill for a fairer and more equal world. One that benefits everyone.

We don’t have to accept a system that puts billionaire wealth over people and the planet. There’s a better way, one that values fairness, sustainability, and equality.

We need to start taxing the super-rich. Greater taxation is not the only answer to the inequality crisis, but it is a fundamental part of it. It's time for governments to shake off decades of failed ideology, and rich elite influence. It's time for them to do the right thing: tax the super-rich more.

The revenues raised from a new wave of progressive taxes could be used to build a fairer, more equal and sustainable future for us all.

Oxfam is calling for every country to implement a mix of taxes that would ensure the richest 1% pay significantly higher tax rates.

A fairer world is within reach if we come together and demand a system that values everyone, no matter who we are.

When we recognise our shared humanity, we can build a future where everyone has the chance to thrive. It’s not just a dream - it’s something we can create by lifting each other up and demanding change.

If you have just 5 minutes:

• Join us in the fight – call to tax the super-rich.
• Donate to Oxfam – help us bring these inequality truths to light.
• Follow us on social media – spreading the word helps change the narrative.
  • WeAre8, Instagram, Facebook, X, Bluesky

If you have 10 minutes:

• Read: Why do we need wealth taxes in the UK?
• Read: 5 reasons why we must tax the super rich
• Test your inequality knowledge. How much do you know?

If you have longer:

• From Anjela Taneja, The Public Service Policy and Advocacy Lead at Oxfam International: Get ready for the new trillionaire class: whose wealth will be built not on merit but inheritance, monopoly – and the legacy of colonialism.
• From Alex Maitland, Inequality Policy Advisor at Oxfam International: Who wants to be a trillionaire? How Oxfam worked out five men could win the ultimate wealth prize.
• From Anthony Kamande, Inequality Policy and Research Advisor at Oxfam International: Want to tackle inequality? Start with fair taxes and giving the Global South a real voice at the IMF and World Bank.