📢 IPE Urges Sri Lanka to Join Global Launch of International Panel on Inequality at UNGA 📈

• UN Invitation: The Institute of Political Economy (IPE) has issued an open letter urging President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, and Deputy Minister of Finance Anil Jayantha Fernando to attend the launch of the International Panel on Inequality (IPI) on 23 September 2026 at the UN General Assembly. • Global Initiative: The IPI is jointly backed by Brazil, Norway, Spain, South Africa, and Nobel Laureate Joseph Stiglitz. Modeled after the IPCC, it aims to produce periodic assessments of global inequality trends, funded at ~$15 million per 3-year cycle ($5 million annually). • National Context: The initiative aligns with the NPP Government’s manifesto commitments to combat rising domestic inequality (measured by the Gini coefficient) and support national renewal alongside poverty alleviation and social equity initiatives. • Strategic Value: High-level participation offers Sri Lanka an opportunity to strengthen international credibility, advance multilateralism, and align national policies with global frameworks aimed at prioritizing inclusive economic growth and labor welfare over wealth concentration. [152nd IPU Assembly Session](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgrMYp0CdhE) This video provides context on international parliamentary deliberations and high-level multilateral discussions relevant to Sri Lanka's global engagements.