More than 1,500 economists and researchers from over 100 countries have signed an open letter asking leaders to back an International Panel on Inequality (IPI). The Guardian reported the initiative on Friday, ahead of next week’s UN General Assembly.

The project grew from a G20 committee chaired by Joseph Stiglitz at South Africa’s request. Spain, Brazil and Norway joined. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has supported the idea. Stiglitz is expected to chair the panel.

Signatories include Janet Yellen, Daron Acemoglu and Thomas Piketty. They argue that extreme gaps in income and wealth are a policy choice, not a fate, and that they damage trust and democracies.

The model cited is the climate IPCC: scientific assessments for governments, without power to impose laws. A high-level event is scheduled for 23 September in New York.

The IPI is not yet a universal body with binding authority. State participation is voluntary. Effectiveness will depend on research independence, funding and whether recommendations become policy.

This article describes a campaign of support, not the completed legal establishment of the panel.

The figure of 1,500 signatories reflects information on 18 September; the list may grow before the UN meeting.

Image: Joseph Stiglitz, Cologne city hall / Wikimedia Commons. An earlier portrait, not the IPI launch at the UN. Cropped to 16:9.

Source consulted: Global leaders urged to join initiative to fight extreme inequality | The Guardian; World Inequality Lab.