- 1 By 2030, progressively achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40% of the population.
- 2 By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all.
- 3 Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws.
- 4 Adopt policies that progressively achieve greater equality.
- 5 Improve the regulation and monitoring of global financial markets and institutions.
The richest 1% captured nearly twice as much new wealth as the rest of the world since 2020.
Income inequality has increased in most countries over the past 30 years.
People with disabilities are twice as likely to be unemployed.
Migrants send over $700 billion in remittances to developing countries each year.
Income inequality within countries was beginning to narrow before 2020, but the pandemic supercharged wealth concentration at the top and hollowed out gains for lower-income groups. SDG 10 is the goal furthest from being achieved — inequality between and within nations is worse today than in 2015.
What We've Accomplished
- In about half of countries with data, the bottom 40% saw income grow faster than the national average between 2011 and 2019.
- International remittances hit a record $860 billion in 2023, providing crucial income support to poorer households.
- Nordic countries achieved and maintained some of the world's lowest Gini coefficients through progressive tax and transfer systems.
- Social protection reforms in Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil reduced extreme inequality during the 2000s and 2010s.
- Anti-discrimination laws and disability inclusion policies expanded in over 100 countries since 2000.
2030 Outlook
Off Track
The richest 1% captured nearly twice as much new global wealth as the remaining 99% between 2020 and 2022. No region is on track to halve the income share of the lowest 40% relative to the national average. The UN's 2023 SDG report rated SDG 10 as showing 'no progress or regression' — the starkest possible assessment. Without major redistribution via progressive taxation, social transfers, and fairer trade rules, this goal will not be met.
Leading Nations
Denmark
World's lowest Gini coefficient; universal welfare system, free healthcare, and generous unemployment protection.
Slovenia
Among Europe's most equal societies; strong public services and narrow wage gap across sectors.
Norway
Near-universal social protection; one of the most equal income distributions among OECD members.
Czech Republic
Consistently among the most equal EU nations in household income; low poverty rate relative to peers.
Finland
Progressive tax system and comprehensive welfare state; child poverty among the lowest in the world.