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©Johnny Miller
The Wealth Inequality Initiative (WII) was established in 2021 by the Julius Baer Foundation to address the global issue of wealth inequality. This digital platform brings together experts, key stakeholders, and industry leaders to share knowledge and showcase innovative projects. By adopting a collaborative approach, we seek to build widespread support and encourage joint efforts to create more equitable societies.
Why do we have to act?
Wealth inequality is a significant challenge that affects many aspects of life, from education and healthcare to economic stability. This imbalance can lead to broader social issues, including diminished trust and increased unrest. By supporting partner organisations globally, we aim to address systemic factors of inequality and foster collaboration. Our goal is to open doors for dialogue and innovation, bridging the wealth divide to create opportunities for all. Through our extensive network, we strive to connect diverse groups and contribute to a more equitable world.
Individuals, communities and regions can only thrive with genuine collaboration across the wealth divide – a divide that we aim to bridge. Once we see one another for our potential and shared purpose rather than for our backgrounds, we can pave the way for dialogue and collaboration. And once the doors are open for everyone, innovation can spark the tangible actions needed to solve humanity’s problems.
Our goals
Awaken interest
By offering rich content speaking to minds and hearts, we provide insights into wealth inequality. The goal is to raise awareness in people unfamiliar with the issue and trigger the debate. We welcome constructive exchanges that can lead to collaboration and foster valuable networks.
Circulate knowledge
By engaging multiple stakeholders, we enable research and develop intelligence on wealth inequality. Communicating across different channels, we share knowledge and expertise globally to reach all potential actors and interested philanthropists.
Mobilise stakeholders
By backing our project partners in pursuing their pioneering ideas we strive to make impactful changes in the communities. All Wealth Inequality Initiative projects aim to develop competencies and networks that lead to wealth redistribution, social mobility, and structural changes that break the inequality cycle.
Drive action
By presenting best cases and valuable experience, we aim to encourage others to push innovative and collaborative projects tackling wealth inequality in their own communities. As an opportunity broker we build bridges between the parties involved by sharing our expertise and network.
Our approach
We work on two levels:
- On the ground, by supporting partner organisations in some of the world’s most unequal countries.
- At the convener level, by bringing together various thinkers and actors across the wealth divide to align efforts, share learning, and drive collective action.
Sensitive to the consequences of a polarised society, we believe that bringing together individuals, groups and organisations across the wealth spectrum fosters mutual understanding. We encourage collaboration and exchange, and we support the development of partnership-based initiatives focused on social mobility and equal opportunities. When we make a global, interconnected effort to work together and bridge our differences, we can rebuild the social fabric of our society, creating a world marked by collaboration, shared responsibility and accountability.
About the Julius Baer Foundation
Established in 1965 by Walter J. Bär (1895-1970), the Julius Baer Foundation has a long history of supporting diverse philanthropic initiatives. Today, it’s focus is on reducing wealth inequality by convening leading thinkers and actors on the topic and supporting projects worldwide that foster collaboration between individuals, groups and organisations across the wealth spectrum to create a world of equal opportunities.
The Julius Baer Foundation is based in Zurich and is subject to Swiss law. As part of the Julius Baer Group, the Foundation benefits from financial, administrative, and personnel support, enabling it to allocate 100% of all donations directly to its projects and maximise their impact.
Support us
We believe that collaborative efforts can lead to better outcomes. That is why we invite like-minded organisations and individuals to join us in tackling wealth inequality. By combining our resources, expertise, and networks, we can increase the impact of our initiatives and drive progress faster. We are open to strategic partnerships and encourage interested parties to get in touch to discuss potential collaborations.
