– Jesse Jackson
Inclusiveness is a prevalent theme in today’s diverse global community. According to the United Nations, “Inequalities based on income, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, race, class, ethnicity, religion, and opportunity continue to persist across the world. Inequality threatens long-term social and economic development, harms poverty reduction and destroys people’s sense of fulfillment and self-worth. This, in turn, can breed crime, disease and environmental degradation.”
Inclusion in governance is a combination of decision-making processes and outcomes that consider every possible perspective and status within communities. This includes considering marginalized and oppressed groups when engaging in activities such as policy making, resource distribution, and access to development opportunities.