This article is inspired by the conference “Re-thinking the Eco-Social Determinants of Health Inequities through the Transdisciplinary and Intersectoral Lens” organized by the Johns Hopkins University – Universitat Pompeu Fabra Public Policy Center in Barcelona on May 23-24, 2025, and based on the Oxfam 2025 Report “Takers not Makers: The unjust poverty and unearned wealth of colonialism.”
A Polycrisis
Human Wellbeing, Planetary Wellbeing, Socio-Economic Equity, and Inclusive Governance are intertwined matters. Significant global progress in any of these dimensions, requires addressing all other dimensions as well.
We are facing a polycrisis, challenging all the above mentioned dimensions. The level of complexity and suffering can feel overwhelming. The tensions from conflicting interests and trade-offs can be difficult to hold. Academic research and policymaking may seem slow, ineffective and biased. The idea of doom may prevail. As individuals, we may feel as powerless spectators, already overwhelmed by the vicissitudes of our own lives.
Avoidance and denial are understandable responses in this scenario. However, looking at reality as it is, is not only necessary for change, it can also be a source of energy, motivation, empowerment, compassion and creativity.
The Elephant in the Room: Neo-colonialism
Inequity
Colonialism is at the root causes of the polycrisis we are facing. Modern day multinational corporations, institutions, and economic system, are a legacy of the colonial area. They continue to follow an extractivist and exploitative model. The Global North systematically enriches itself at the expense of the Global South, with inequality levels increasing both inter and intra countries. Oxfam estimates that billionaire wealth grew three times faster in 2024 than in 2023. The richest 1% owns 45% of total wealth, whilst 44% of global population lives under the poverty line.
Higher levels of inequity are correlated with higher levels of poverty worldwide, and its consequences such as, reduced life expectancy, hunger, limited access to water and to basic services. In a finite Mother Earth, redistribution is key to assure a dignified life for all within planetary boundaries. Material growth to enrich the rich, is unsustainable and unethical.
Institutional Underrepresentation
The Global South is formally and informally underrepresented in global institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the United Nations (UN) to name a few. This results in policies, recommendations, and conditions that are favorable for the richest countries and their multinational corporations (MNC’s).
The Global South is formally and informally underrepresented in global institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the United Nations (UN) to name a few. This results in policies, recommendations, and conditions that are favorable for the richest countries and their multinational corporations (MNC’s). For example, the Global South pays higher interest rates for credit, devoting a larger portion of their budgets to debt repayment. In addition, they are forced to cut fiscal expenditure and encouraged to privatize services, which undermines their population access to quality health and education. It is worth noticing that on top many countries inherited debt and poor institutions from the colonial era.
Trade agreements tend to perpetuate the colonial model of natural resources transfer, hindering the Global South development, and keeping their export prices artificially low. Often, investor-state dispute clauses are added, which limit local governments power in terms of environmental and social policies, protecting the interests of foreign MNC’s.
Corporate Governance
Corporate Governance is the ultimate legacy of colonialism. MNC’s acquire or control vast areas of land displacing local communities and damaging ecosystems, exploit workers in their global supply chains, and influence policymaking and academic research to their benefit. Furthermore, a few MNC’s control key industries like food, health, and digital, accruing enormous power, shaping our lives and landscapes.
Whereas it is true that as individuals we are responsible for our choices and behavior, there is a corporate interest in creating a narrative that allocates to the individual consumer all responsibility for their own wellbeing and planetary wellbeing. While MNC’s continue with business as usual, and greenwashing.
Reclaiming Spaces of Collective Imagination
It takes courage and resiliency to face the current polycrisis and the powers of neocolonialism. However, we shall trust our collective capacity to hold fundamental questions, and to envision and co-create new possibilities.
Change will come from inclusive and collaborative spaces, holding meaningful discussions. Where we dare to raise our awareness, explore how we embody colonialism ourselves, challenge assumptions and mainstream thinking, engage in critical and systemic thinking, and put care and compassion in the center. We are all called to the circle. These spaces are not only for academia, policymakers, and social movements. We can all find our own ways of building community, and bringing ourselves to larger forums. Also, we shall make sure that the structurally marginalized have a voice, in particular indigenous and racialized communities, and women.
These times carry with them the opportunity for transformation, for re-imagining who and how we want to be with one another and with all life forms. Perhaps there is a potential future waiting for us to live up to it. Perhaps this transformation wants to happen and life itself is supporting us. If we feel into the power of community and life holding us, we will find the courage to resist opposing forces, and co-create a beautiful future for all the children of life.
By Verónica Lassus
Sources:
- “Re-thinking the Eco-Social Determinants of Health Inequities through the Transdisciplinary and Intersectoral Lens: European Conference 2025.” Celebrated on May 23-24, 2025 in Barcelona,Spain. Organized by the Johns Hopkins University – Universitat Pompeu Fabra Public Policy Center.
- Oxfam International. (2025). Takers not Makers: The unjust poverty and unearned wealth of colonialism. Policy Paper. Accessed 05 June 2025. https://www.oxfam.org/en/research/takers-not-makers-unjust-poverty-and-unearned-wealth-colonialism