The EU and its Member States have committed to reducing inequalities and leaving no one behind, not only with the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, but in various policy documents thereafter. Now, exposed and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, those political promises need to be translated into action. Inequalities come in different shapes and can strengthen one another. Addressing inequalities therefore requires a multidimensional and intersectional approach, which - given the complexity and sensitivity - leaders often struggle to adopt. In its project, CONCORD, the European confederation of relief and development NGOs, wants to assess the status quo, in both partner countries and Member States, support best practices, flag shortcomings or incoherencies where needed and hold the EU and Member States accountable. In this context, digitalization can be both, an enabler for equal and inclusive societies, or reinforce inequalities. The European Commission committed itself to prioritizing digitalization in its current work and to ensuring a human-centered approach to the digital transformation. CONCORD therefore gives special consideration to the interrelation of digitalization and inequalities. By collecting stories and providing evidence, CONCORD aims to move EU and Member State decision-makers to take action to reduce economic, social, environmental and political inequalities between people and countries, with a particular focus on impacts in partner countries.
