Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message on the launch of the World Social Report 2026, titled New Economics of Social Inclusion: Making Transformations Work for All, in New York today:
The World Social Report highlights a profound global imbalance. On the one hand, rapid transformations are reshaping our world. Digital technologies, artificial intelligence, renewable energy and demographic and economic transitions.
On the other hand, these transformations are not working for all. Poverty and deprivation are widespread. Billions are locked out of opportunities because of income, gender, age, disability, ethnicity or the many other fault lines that undermine equality.
Cascading global shocks — including the Middle East crisis — are making matters worse. Food, fuel and fertilizer prices are surging. And more than 100 countries have had to lower their growth forecasts this year alone.
This report advances a New Economics of Social Inclusion. It reminds us that social inclusion is not only a moral or ethical imperative, it is an economic necessity. Inclusive societies are more productive, resilient and prosperous.
The report urges investments in education, job creation and skills training so all people can benefit from technological advancements and the growth of new industries. It calls for inclusive institutions and policymaking to ensure all voices are represented. And it advocates equity-focused approaches to labour markets and taxation, to open opportunities for all people — no matter who they are or where they live.
But, of course, investments require resources and many developing countries are getting squeezed. Nearly half of the world’s poorest countries are either in or at high risk of debt distress — with interest payments relative to revenue at their highest levels in a generation.
Leaders must live up to the commitments made in last year’s Doha Political Declaration on social development and the Sevilla Commitment on financing for development. And we must push for reform of international financial institutions to better represent and serve developing countries.
Transformations are inevitable. Inequality and exclusion are not. Let’s work together to ensure that the profound transformations reshaping our world help build societies rooted in justice, dignity and opportunity for all.