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How to advance opportunity and well-being?

As they weather the current economic storm, will our governments and societies address the basic needs and aspirations of the least well-off? How can we better use education to raise individual aspirations? How should governments around the world accelerate preparations to provide social services for the billions moving from poverty into the middle class? What policies will position us to act proactively and preventively against global pandemics—and to act more effectively when such out-breaks occur? What must be done to head off, or deal with, the next food crisis—whether it be a dramatic crop failure, rise in commodity prices, or food-borne disease?

The ability of a society to provide for the health, education, and well-being of citizens—particularly for the most vulnerable—is a cardinal indicator of how well it governs itself. From the reform of national health or education systems, to the design of transportation plans for local communities, Brookings is committed to research that helps expand opportunities for the marginalized and disadvantaged. We will continue to expand our work in this field—in the U.S. as well as through our partnerships with NGOs and governments in the developed and the developing world.