The first article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. Equality is a normative principle and the strategic horizon of development. Inequality, in contrast, is inefficient and limits such development. For that reason, social policies must be geared towards closing gaps and contribute to moving closer to substantive equality.
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SDG Related
The 2030 Agenda sets out the goal of achieving greater equality from an integral approach, in keeping with human rights, guarantees a life free of poverty and hunger, gender equality, equal access to health, education, clean water and sanitation and energy, as well as decent work and justice.
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The social inequality matrix considers evidence of high structural heterogeneity and a culture of privilege to conceptualize an equality of means, opportunities, capabilities and mutual recognition, through structuring axes and other expressions of inequality, that link up through spheres of influence.
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Equality can be a driving force for economic efficiency, and result in improved perceptions of justice and trust among people living in healthier and more cohesive societies. It can also help lessen environmental degradation and positively affect political institutions.
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Essential publications
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2030 Agenda in Latin America and the Caribbean
