Last year exposed and exacerbated pre-existing fault lines that had been previously ignored or minimised by those who claimed that 2019 was “the best year in history” only weeks before the pandemic shredded this illusion. Data exposed systemic inequities and structural imbalances when it showed that COVID-19 could severely affect many—even while infecting few—in the poorest regions because of its impact on trade, tourism, international aid, and more. Years and perhaps decades of slow progress on major indicators—including extreme poverty and gender equality—were reversed, and negative trends accelerated, including environmental degradation, social polarisation, and income concentration.
Author(s):
Emmanuel Letouzé, Natalie Grover, Ivette Yáñez Soria, Angela Paola Caile, Sara Ortiz
April 2021
Download