In the first in a series of articles, Sarah Rees, Head of Oxfam Cymru, looks at how Wales can lead the way in building a fairer, greener world.
For the first time in 25 years, extreme poverty and inequality are on the rise. Hardship and hunger are a daily reality for many people worldwide, including here in Wales, where over a fifth of the population are living in poverty.
At current rates, it will take 230 years to end global poverty, but we could have our first trillionaire in just a decade.
Meanwhile global temperatures are rising, with climate change wreaking havoc around the world, destroying lives and livelihoods. Against this backdrop, and following 25 years of devolution, much marred by internal political wranglings, Wales’ new First Minister, Eluned Morgan, has now taken the reins.
She knows, and we know, that it doesn’t have to be this way.
A greener, more equal, peaceful world is possible. One where the air is clean, because renewable energy is powering our communities the world over. One where lives are no longer routinely upended by violence, crop failures or floods, because when disasters strike, everyone has access to protection and a right to safety. One where international laws are not just words on statute books, but protect all people from oppression. And where no one is forced to choose between heating or eating, because everyone has a right to live without poverty.
To get there we urgently need to shift away from economies that are rooted in inequality and exploitation, to economies that centre the wellbeing of people and planet.
The decisions we make now will determine whether we continue on a path of increasing disparity and environmental degradation, or chart a course toward a sustainable and equitable future.
A vision for a fairer, greener, Wales
In a world gripped by a constellation of crises – climate change, economic inequality, and social injustice – Wales stands at a crossroads. The decisions we make now will determine whether we continue on a path of increasing disparity and environmental degradation, or chart a course toward a sustainable and equitable future.
The urgency of this moment calls for a holistic approach to a just transition that addresses these interconnected challenges head-on.
In Wales, these global issues manifest locally in distinct ways. Coastal erosion endangers our beautiful landscapes and communities. Job insecurity and low wages plague our economy, particularly in post-industrial areas. Public services are stretched thin, unable to adequately support those in need.
Meanwhile, the undervaluation of paid and unpaid care work, which is often carried out by women, provides a huge invisible subsidy to the Welsh economy while carers themselves are pushed to the brink, both financially and emotionally.
These challenges are not isolated; they are deeply interwoven, demanding a comprehensive and coordinated response.
Connecting the dots to achieve lasting impact
To navigate these turbulent times, the new First Minister must adopt a holistic approach that recognises the interdependence of social, economic and environmental wellbeing. This means moving beyond siloed policies and short-term fixes to embrace systemic change and a new economic strategy, a strategy that works for Wales and the rest of the world.
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Environmental sustainability must be at the core of our efforts. This includes protecting biodiversity, managing natural resources responsibly, and building resilience against climate impacts. Green investment is a no brainer: it can create jobs, cut household bills, reduce emissions and improve public health simultaneously.
Economic justice is equally crucial. Building an economy that works for everyone means creating quality jobs with fair wages, investing in education and skills training, and supporting local businesses.
Recognising and valuing care work is fundamental to a healthier, greener economy and society. Care work, often unpaid or underpaid, is the backbone of our communities. Policies that support and value carers – both paid and unpaid – are crucial for a just transition.
And of course, investing in the caring economy means investing in the green economy, with Women’s Budget Group research showing that investment in the care sector could create 2.7 times as many jobs as the same investment in construction and produce 30% less greenhouse gas emissions. Caring for each other and the environment should be seen as complementary rather than separate goals.
Recognising and valuing care work is fundamental to a healthier, greener economy and society.
Community-led initiatives offer a powerful model for driving change. Empowering local communities to lead the way ensures that solutions are tailored to local needs and realities. Grassroots projects in renewable energy, local food production, or social enterprises can catalyse broader change, demonstrating the power of collective action and local knowledge.
Inclusive decision-making processes are essential for ensuring that policies reflect the realities and aspirations of all citizens. By creating platforms for meaningful participation and ensuring that marginalised groups have a voice, we can build trust and drive collective action. Transparency and accountability in these processes foster a sense of ownership and commitment to the shared vision of a just transition.
Fundamentally, the Welsh Government must recognise that national success isn’t just about money, but about thriving communities and a healthy environment. With a clean slate, it’s the perfect opportunity for our new First Minister to pursue new ways of growing our economy that value caring for each other, protecting our climate, and making sure everyone has an equal shot at a good life.
A Wales that cares for people and planet
As a globally responsible nation, Wales has the opportunity to be at the forefront of this drive to reimagine our societies and economies, emerging as a beacon of hope for others to follow while demonstrating how a small nation can tackle big challenges.
Given our new First Minister spent her secondary education at United World Colleges, she is well placed to lead globally minded, courageous social change. To do so, she will need to demonstrate both bold vision and unwavering commitment. This isn’t just a matter of policy; it is a matter of principle. But the policy solutions exist, too. As this series will demonstrate, there is no shortage of ideas and experts at Ministers’ disposal.
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It’s time to listen to them. It’s time to build the greener, fairer future we all deserve. It’s time to create a Wales that truly cares for people and planet.
Read IWA and Oxfam Cymru’s joint report, A Wales That Cares for People and Planet, here.
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