The gap between rich and poor has reached new extremes. Eight men own the same wealth as 3.6 billion people. Inequality undermines our societies, corrodes our politics and makes the end of poverty impossible to reach. Yet inequality is not inevitable and more equal societies are possible. To overcome this divide people are mobilizing across the world. They are demanding leaders build a more human economy that works for the majority, not the privileged few. The time to act is now.

Max Lawson is Head of Advocacy and Public Policy, Oxfam GB, a team which comprises four main groups focusing on humanitarian and conflict issues, financing for development, climate change and private sector and development.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx