Mobilizing the private sector to tackle inequality and generate shared prosperity for all

Reducing inequality and generating shared prosperity is integral to realizing a world in which 9+ billion people can live well, within planetary boundaries, by mid-century. The Business Commission to Tackle Inequality will rally the global business community to shape, elevate, and mainstream a common narrative on the role of business and an agenda for action at scale.

Peter Bakker President & Chief Executive Officer, World Business Council Sustainable Development

Equality is a fundamental human right and the base from which to build a better life. IKEA has set out to promote and champion equality, in line with our vision to create a better everyday life for the many. We are pleased to be part of the BCTI, standing alongside other companies and organizations who recognize the urgency with which we must tackle inequality – in the context of global health and environmental challenges that exacerbate it.

Lars-Erik Fridolfsson Head of Fair & Equal, Inter IKEA Group

For decades, the world has bet on business practices and economic models that thrive by externalizing costs and risks onto the most vulnerable workers, communities, and consumers. The results today are unconscionable and unsustainable levels of inequality that we must urgently reverse. And it won’t be possible unless we make respect for people’s dignity integral to how business gets done.

Caroline Rees President and Co-Founder, Shift

Inequality has serious consequences for social stability, economic progress and business's license to operate, innovate, and grow. Corporates have a unique opportunity to fashion innovative business models that enable systems transformation to tackle inequity. ITC is proud to support the work of the BCTI and its endeavors to drive business action at scale.

Sanjiv Puri Chairman & Managing Director, ITC Limited

Business has a powerful role to play in reducing inequality and making it possible for all people to live the kinds of lives they aspire to. Olam has seen this through our efforts to improve incomes and living standards in smallholder farming communities. Collaboration across industry, with government, and other stakeholders, is vital to delivering more opportunities, for more people, and we are delighted to help drive this agenda forward through the BCTI.

Sunny Verghese Co-Founder and Group Chief Executive Officer, Olam Agri

Today we are seeing the consequences of inequality unfold around the world. But inequality is not a fact of nature; it is a product of our systems and practices, which we can change. The BCTI has a critical role to play in raising awareness, changing mindsets, designing a transition pathway to a more inclusive and equal world, and eventually having a major positive impact throughout the business community.

Ilham Kadri Chief Executive Officer, Syensqo

As a non-profit organization, JUST Capital is committed to leveraging business and markets to tackle inequality at scale and build a truly just economy that works for all people and the planet. We are excited to be part of the BCTI, and look forward to working together on this most critical of missions.

Martin Whittaker Chief Executive Officer, JUST Capital

As the private sector races to net zero, an opportunity space has emerged to start a second race, a race to equality. For too long we have focused on the E in ESG at the expense of the S. This is why I am pleased to be part of the BCTI, as tackling inequality will be key to delivering a just transition to net zero.

Sally Uren Chief Executive Officer, Forum for the Future

Deepening inequalities present an urgent threat to communities and economies. The United Nations Global Compact works with business to help achieve the SDGs’ vision of fair, equitable, sustainable development by respecting human and labour rights, by providing decent work and ensuring all workers receive a living wage.

Sanda Ojiambo Assistant Secretary General and Chief Executive Officer, United Nations Global Compact

The hope of the world is in young people’s hands. Yet they have suffered tremendous economic and social setbacks due to COVID-19. Business has the power to reduce inequality and build community resilience by empowering young people through quality jobs and skills development.

Carlos Sanvee Secretary General, World YMCA

We believe organizations have a global responsibility to promote equality. At Bain, we are proud to do this work in partnership with the Business Commission to Tackle Inequality in support of our clients and the broader global community. This includes working towards equitable outcomes for historically underrepresented populations and removing systemic barriers to dignity and prosperity.

Julie Coffman Partner, Chief Diversity Officer, Bain & Company Inc.

We cannot close the inequality gap unless companies live up to their responsibility and all sectors collaborate to ensure that we’re all pulling in the same direction. BCTI will play a vital role in both of these areas by setting out the agenda for companies that are ready to take action, and connecting them with existing and emerging initiatives.

Gerbrand Haverkamp Executive Director, World Benchmarking Alliance

We cannot address climate change, the accelerating loss of nature or the challenges facing our economies without understanding how they connect to broader social issues like inequality. Collaboration across sectors, industries and the whole of society is needed to understand connections across the system and to offer concrete solutions that benefit all. Commissions like BCTI will play a vital role in galvanizing  communities and mobilizing action at scale to deliver a world where nature and people can thrive.

Mark Gough Chief Executive Officer, Capitals Coalition

Respect for human rights is foundational to economic sustainability. All people have the right to an inclusive, equitable workplace and every business leader has the agency and responsibility to embed human rights into their practices and culture.

Leah Seligmann Chief Change Catalyst & Chief Executive Officer, The B Team