Three Spanish researchers have called for public support for the creation of an International Panel on Inequality in an open letter dated 2 September 2026. The initiative is aimed at a high-level meeting on 23 September in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Debate, where governments are to be encouraged to give political backing to the proposal.
The signatories Luis Ayala (UNED), Elena Bárcena (Universidad de Málaga) and Olga Cantó (Universidad de Alcalá) justify the initiative by pointing to the considerable social and economic impact of growing inequality. An independent, science-led body—modelled on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change—would bring together research, address knowledge gaps and regularly provide policymakers and the public with syntheses on causes, trends and policy options. Its focus would be comparable data, transparent methods and independence from short-term political interests.
The call comes at a time of intense international debate about distribution, wealth and access to public goods. Research articles and position papers from research institutions have long pointed to shortcomings in data and coordination. Supporters see a panel as an opportunity to make evidence-based discussions about tax and social policy, education and health systems, and the impact of technological and environmental change on inequality more informed.
At the same time, critics point to the risk of political instrumentalisation. They call for precise mandates, clear accountability mechanisms and diverse scientific review processes to ensure regional perspectives and the situation of lower-income countries are adequately considered. Transparent funding models with broad support would also be essential to safeguard independence.
The call is relevant to Spain because prominent voices in Spanish inequality research—Luis Ayala, Elena Bárcena and Olga Cantó—are bringing the issue into public view and strengthening debate among researchers and the public. At the time of publication, no public statements had been made on any formal position by the Spanish government on an International Panel on Inequality. Whether the meeting in New York will lead to concrete commitments by governments remains open. What is clear is that the open letter sets expectations for a possible process within the UN system and marks out the next steps—from political support and institutional establishment to the development of a viable work programme.
Regardless of the outcome of the meeting at the UN General Assembly the establishment of such a body would be a multi-year project. In the short term, it remains to be seen whether enough states and institutions will signal their readiness to fund the next planning stages and commission the scientific work.
Editor: Daniel Mayer (Article created with AI assistance).