UNDP China Policy and Partnership Unit Head, Hannah Ryder, addresses the workshop

 

6 November, Beijing, The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) held the workshop themed “BRICS: Inequality and Sustainable Development”, co-organized by Beijing Normal University (BNU) and Actionaid China.

 

The workshop brought together experts from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS), to discuss and exchange ideas on how to promote sustainable development through reducing inequalities in these countries. Furthermore, a diverse selection of Chinese experts from BNU, Renmin University, China Society of Economic Reform, Development Research Center of the State Council, as well as Employment and Income Distribution Bureau, National Development, Reform Commission were invited to contribute towards the workshop. Experts from OECD Development Center also attended to provide input.

 

During the workshop, experts presented in-depth analysis of the level and drivers of inequality in BRICS countries. Moreover, a variety of policy instruments that attempt to strengthen social protection, promote decent employment and improve income redistribution were discussed, with regards to their effectiveness to narrow inequality.

 

UNDP China Policy and Partnership Unit Head, Hannah Ryder noted the importance of the workshop, in particular its valuable contributions to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10, which calls for reduced inequality within and among nations. She further encouraged participants to not only “look in” BRICS for solutions, but also “think more broadly and to ‘look out’ for how the BRICS can support others, especially those fragile states in Africa and elsewhere that could become the powers of tomorrow”.

 

Throughout the discussion, UNDP highlighted two major points, which aimed to shed light on future research and collaborations. First, BRICS could, among many means, work together to address the middle-income trap, channel financing for inclusive growth, and provide support for sustainable agriculture to reduce inequality. More frequent and regular exchange of knowledge and experience is also highly recommended. Second, against the backdrop of the recently released proposal to China’s 13th Five Year Plan (2016-2020), attention was drawn to the identification of the middle income class and its implications for reducing inequality.

Experts discussing level and drivers of inequality in BRICS countries

 

Source: UNDP