Patna: Despite global progress in reducing poverty, the world cannot claim real progress until economic growth translates into a meaningful reduction in inequality and reaches the most disadvantaged, noted philosopher and global justice scholar Thomas Pogge said at an international symposium hosted by Nalanda University on Thursday.Speaking at the symposium, “Rethinking Global Justice”, Pogge, founding director of the Global Justice Program at Yale University, cautioned against equating poverty reduction alone with progress. “Looking back, I am pleased that we are having this conversation, but also deeply concerned by how little progress we have made against poverty,” he said, arguing that true progress must include a meaningful reduction in inequality.Pogge maintained that economic growth cannot be judged successful simply because a “rising tide” lifts all boats. The real test, he said, is whether the gains reach the most disadvantaged sections of society and whether existing measures of poverty and inequality adequately capture people’s lived realities.His remarks come amid growing concerns over climate change, technological disruption, global health crises and widening disparities between the Global North and the Global South, raising fresh questions about the fairness of existing global institutions.Inaugurating the symposium at Nalanda University’s Roundtable Conference Hall, vice-chancellor Sachin Chaturvedi said Pogge’s work extends beyond philosophy and has significant implications for economics, international relations, political science and social justice. He underscored the continuing relevance of debates on international law, global justice and the North-South divide.Chaturvedi also called for greater co-production of knowledge through country-specific and interdisciplinary research to strengthen the global knowledge ecosystem.The symposium featured sessions on poverty, development and global justice; ethics, global governance and institutional accountability; and intellectual property rights, innovation and global public goods. Scholars and policy experts from leading academic and policy institutions participated in the deliberations.
