Our call has been backed by influential global leaders
Read what they say about it here.
Currently, there exists an unequal balance in power between the wealthy and the worker, decades of deregulation has led to unsustainable levels of wealth inequality. Wealth collects at the top of society and the notion of trickle-down economics has been proven incorrect. We must work together to bring a progressive tax system for wealth globally.
I inherited my fortune. As such I didn't do anything for it, I was simply lucky in the birth lottery. A wealth tax would do nothing to hurt me, whilst it would play a huge part in securing a more equal society here in Germany. Today, on International Labour Day, we are reminded that the current tax system is flawed - the average worker pays more proportional tax than a billionaire, therefore we advocate for a wealth tax.
The elephant in the room is that governments have it within their power to address all the multiple challenges we are facing by taxing us rich people. But they choose not to do so and tax low-income and middle-income workers instead. Placing the burden on ordinary workers is unjust and missing a golden opportunity to raise the billions we need to tackle the challenges we face
Solidarity concerns us all. Wealth distribution strikes at the heart of democracy. In order to secure the future and jobs for all, it is important to implement a fair tax policy. On International Labor Day, it's timely to remember that there's no such thing as a self-made millionaire. Millionaires only exist on the backs of the labor of others, and on the services and infrastructure paid for by taxes. That needs to be acknowledged, and wealth needs to be taxed.
Julia Sánchez
Tax justice is fundamental for tackling global poverty. And taxing the wealth of the richest people is key to that. When rich people themselves make that case, as Millionaires for Humanity is doing, it makes it harder for leaders to ignore. Let’s do this!
Carlos Lopes
To get out of this crisis we have to break from old orthodoxies. We need to invest in dynamic public services and, as part of that, the wealth of the richest people can no longer be left untaxed. When even millionaires recognise that wealth taxes are needed, and speak out publicly, it makes clear how broad is the movement for a more just and balanced economy, and that the moment is now.
Diego Sánchez-Ancochea
Inequality is one of the challenges of our time. Case after case shows extreme inequality hurts economies, weakens democracies and destabilizes societies. Millionaires for Humanity’s commitment to more just societies, and its call for a new wealth tax is showing us all how to get away from the spiral of inequality and insecurity, and move towards solidarity, justice, shared prosperity and a new world. In the post-COVID world, their agenda is more important than ever.
Gabriel Zucman
We need a new tax – a progressive wealth tax – to strengthen the social contract and to reduce rampant inequality. Campaigns like Millionaires for Humanity are key to enabling this change.
Helen Clark
For the world to meet the Sustainable Development Goals, we’ll need quality universal services and fair taxation. This will require a greater contribution from the people who have prospered the most. It’s a powerful message when even some of the wealthiest people are speaking out, supporting the call for people like them to pay more.
Mogens Lykketoft
We rarely hear people among those with the highest incomes and fortunes request to be allowed to pay more taxes for the common good. But that is what Millionaires for Humanity is all about. It is an appeal for compassion and solidarity. This is why Millionaires for Humanity is such an extremely important initiative.
Amanda Khozi Mukwashi
As all the great faith traditions remind us we cannot separate economic issues from ethical ones. We cannot accept extreme poverty in a world of great wealth. To rebuild from our interconnected crises, we will need the rich to contribute more – not only in giving but in tax. Millionaires speaking out in support of taxing people like them can help leaders understand that tax justice is a cause for all.
