Unequal worlds. Poverty, growth, inequality and the role of international cooperation

Abstract

What are the possible consequences of observed shifting patterns of poverty for the post-2015 agenda and possibly, related changes in inequality within and between countries?

On the basis of the analytical part of this advisory report the Dutch Advisory Council on International Affairs (AIV) foresee the following priorities with respect to policy aimed at rapidly growing middle-income countries:

To work together with these countries to achieve policy coherence in international cooperation and involve them in the provision of global public goods. This could be achieved by introducing trilateral cooperation between high-, middle- and low-income countries. Such a multilateral and trilateral effort could then foster corporate social responsibility (including for the environment) and a better business climate in these countries. It could also promote human rights, including labour rights and a guaranteed minimum income, with a view to achieving a better distribution of income. Dutch policy on middle-income countries should be developed not only on the basis of an income poverty index, but also multidimensional poverty indices. These show that each country has differing needs.