Reducing inequalities and vulnerabilities in a Post-Pandemic World

The Covid-19 pandemic has put the spotlight on inequalities and vulnerabilities in our societies. Infection rates and risks, deaths, income losses, educational deficits resulting from school closures, and many more – all these consequences from the pandemic were distributed very unequally across societies. It turned out that our societies and economies were not resilient, inclusive and sustainable enough to withstand a global shock such as the pandemic. The recovery has to be used to work on addressing the inequalities and vulnerabilities in a sustainable way. This requires a broad variety of measures, e.g. directing more investment into social infrastructure, a strengthening of the middle class to stabilize polarized societies, or keeping housing affordable. Understanding the nature and shape of the problem will enable a holistic policy response at various levels of governance.