The link between inequality and public education, Pg20

Key Highlights:

• The World Inequality Report 2026 highlights widening global inequalities in income and wealth distribution.
• The top 10% of global income earners earn more than the bottom 90%, while the wealthiest 10% own 75% of global wealth.
• Income disparities exist across regions, with North America & Oceania having significantly higher average incomes than Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Public investment in education and health is identified as a key policy to reduce inequalities.
• Public education expenditure per school-age individual varies greatly, from €220 in Sub-Saharan Africa to €9,025 in North America & Oceania in 2025.

Detailed Insights:

• The report divides the world into income tiers: high-income (North America & Oceania, Europe), middle-income (Russia & Central Asia, East Asia, Middle East & North Africa), and low-income (Latin America, South & Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa).
• Average daily income in North America & Oceania is approximately €125, compared to only €10 in Sub-Saharan Africa, showcasing significant regional disparities.
• Uneven access to education and healthcare services exacerbates inequalities, hindering opportunities for lifelong learning and inclusive societies.
• Public investment in education encompasses government expenditure on free, high-quality schools, childcare, and nutrition programs.
• The vast difference in public education expenditure between regions contributes to the continued lagging of certain areas.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Income Inequality: Unequal distribution of income across a population.
• Wealth Inequality: Unequal distribution of assets and property across a population.
• Public Investment: Government spending on services and infrastructure for public benefit.