Claus Middot; Schwab
The blockade of coronary viruses may gradually relax, but concerns about world society and economic prospects will only increase.The reason for worrying is very sufficient: the rapid economic recession has begun, and we may face the worst depression since the 1930s.But although this consequences may appear, it is not necessarily unavoidable.
In order to achieve a better future, the world must take common and rapid actions to transform all aspects of our society and economy (from education to social contracts and working conditions).From the United States to China, every country cannot be placed out of the case; from oil, natural gas to technology, every industry must be transformed.In short, we must carry out a major capitalism.
There are many reasons for the implementation of the implementation, but the most urgent one is the coronary virus.This epidemic has caused hundreds of thousands of people to be killed, and it is also one of the most serious public health crises in modern history.At the same time, because the number of deaths continues to grow in many parts of the world, the crisis is far from over.
This will have many long -term serious consequences on economic growth, public debt, employment and human well -being.According to the British Financial Times, the current global government debt volume has reached the highest level of peace.At the same time, the unemployment rate in many countries has also risen sharply. For example, since mid -March, a quarter of American workers have submitted an application for unemployment relief, and the number of new applications per week is far exceeding the highest level of history.The International Monetary Fund predicts that the global economy will shrink by 3%this year. Compared with four months ago, this data has been reduced by 6.3 percentage points.
All the above incidents will exacerbate the existing climate and social crisis.Some countries have weakened environmental protection and law enforcement on the grounds of coronary virus crisis.The sense of frustration produced by social disadvantages such as inequality is increasing, and the total wealth of the US billionaire group has even increased during the crisis.
If it is not resolved, these crises will deepen with the coronary virus and make the world more unsustainable, unequal, and more fragile.Graduation means and temporary repair measures are not enough to prevent such situations.We must build a new foundation for our own economic and social system.
The cooperation and ambitions contained in this measure are unprecedented, but it is not a dream that is impossible.In fact, the epidemic has also brought a line of dawn to people, because it shows how fast we can actually change our own lifestyle.The crisis almost forced enterprises and individuals, and immediately abandoned that it was considered unshakable from frequent aviation travel to collective office.
Similarly, people show their willingness to sacrifice for medical care and other necessary industry workers, as well as disadvantaged groups such as the elderly.Many companies have also come out to support their employees, customers and local communities, and have realized the transformation of capitalist capitalism who have only been orally before.
The willingness to build a better society obviously exists, and we must use this to ensure that the urgently needed retirement is realized.This will require a stronger and efficient government, but this does not mean that it is necessary to promote the establishment of a larger government in ideology, but to ask the private sector to participate in each step.
The large -scale agenda will include three main parts.The first will guide the market to develop towards more fair results.To this end, the government should improve coordination (such as in terms of taxation, supervision and fiscal policy), upgrade trade arrangements, and create conditions for the economy of stakeholders.As the tax base decreases and the public debt has soared, the government has a strong motivation to take this action.
In addition, the government should promote the reforms that have been delayed and unable to carry out to promote more fair results.According to different conditions in various countries, these measures may include new rules for modifying wealth taxes, removing digestion fuel subsidies, and management of intellectual property, trade and competition.
The second part of the Dajie Aoic Fair is to ensure that investment can advance those common goals, such as equality and sustainability.In this regard, a large -scale expenditure plan that many governments are implementing have shown major progress opportunities.The European Commission has disclosed a recovery fund plan with a total value of 750 billion euros.The United States, China and Japan have also formulated a large economic stimulus plan.
We should not use the investment of these funds and private entities and pension funds to fill the loopholes in the old system, but we should use them to create a new system that is more flexible, fair and sustainable in the long run.This means building a green city infrastructure and inspired enterprises to improve its past records in environmental, social and governance indicators.
The third item of the Dajie Aoic Affairs is also the last priority. It uses the innovation of the fourth industrial revolution to support public interests, especially in responding to health and social challenges.During the crisis crisis, enterprises, universities, and other institutions jointly developed diagnosis, treatment methods and potential vaccines; the virus testing center was built; the infection tracking mechanism was established; and remote medical care was provided.Imagine what kind of scene will be if each department can make similar joint efforts.
The crisis crisis is affecting all aspects of people's lives in all corners of the world.But tragedy is not necessarily the only thing to stay.On the contrary, the epidemic has actually opened a rare but narrow window of opportunities. Let us reflect, reflect and redefine the world to create a healthier, fair and prosperous future.
Author Klaus Schwab is the founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum in English: Time for a Great Reset
Copyright: Project Syndicate, 2020
