The degradation of the environment, the deepening inequalities, the democratic decline, the dysfunction of global governance, and the challenges posed by technological innovation have never posed as many threats to the future of human societies as they do today. In order to avoid a dystopian future, a group of several hundred scholars, entrepreneurs, activists, government officials, and philanthropists believe that it is possible to overcome the complexity of this situation and propose solutions to engage in the necessary systemic transformations. The International Panel on Social Progress (IPSP), created ten years ago, aims to fully grasp the interdependence of these challenges as well as the diversity of local and national contexts, in order to make the most of the opportunities for change.
The IPSP provided a general overview in 2018 of the type of institutions and reforms that, by allowing for substantial variations around the world, could inspire the emergence of a society based on the values of equality, freedom, emancipation, participation, and inclusion. This perspective constituted a powerful narrative to support the implementation of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The main features of a better society according to the IPSP include an inclusive and responsible economy, regulating markets and businesses, promoting organizations with a broader purpose than profit, circularity in value chains and lifestyle, reducing social inequalities, strengthening individual autonomy through expanded universal services and reducing initial disparities in access to different forms of capital, deepening democracy through participatory and deliberative mechanisms and better information systems managed as common goods, strengthening global cooperation to preserve global common goods such as climate and biodiversity, and promoting technological innovations for collective well-being.
There are numerous solutions available, and many actors, particularly within civil society, are actively participating in various ways to implement this transition towards a more sustainable society. The IPSP’s work aims to offer pragmatic alternatives to promote social justice and preserve the environment, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses the interconnected challenges facing humanity today. By recognizing the importance of a systemic transformation, the group seeks to harness the expertise and diversity of its members to develop innovative solutions that can lead to a more equitable and sustainable future for all.
The IPSP’s efforts are focused on creating a society that prioritizes equality, freedom, and inclusion, while also emphasizing the importance of democratic participation and global cooperation to address pressing issues such as climate change and biodiversity loss. By promoting a shift towards more responsible and inclusive economic systems, the group aims to create a more sustainable future for generations to come. Through collaboration and innovation, the IPSP envisions a world where social progress is achieved through collective action and shared values, ensuring a better future for all.
