The II 50 View: Infra and racial inequity

Can infrastructure help address inequality, such as racial inequity?

• Infrastructure businesses and owners can utilise progressive recruitment, retention, inclusion and remuneration practices to promote equality of representation, treatment and opportunity for all people – be that with reference to gender, race, age, socio-economic background, sexual orientation or any other characteristic.
• Although infrastructure such as mass transit systems and digital infrastructure can improve mobility and connectivity, and hence access to jobs, it is only society’s attitudes – and, to a lesser extent, government policies – that can truly address inequality.
• Infrastructure has always been at the forefront of environmental, social and governance efforts, given the importance of the assets from a stakeholder perspective. As a large and visible employer, infrastructure can play an important role in helping to address inequality.
• Yes, by steering on diversity and measuring social impact. A strong ESG policy will create a more equal world.
• In areas such as education, health, and employment, access to high-quality social and economic infrastructure can unlock opportunities for both individuals and communities. Whether it be a school, hospital, fibre network or transport link, these infrastructure assets can help create a level playing field and break down some of the factors that perpetuate inequality in
  our society.
• Yes, through the development of infrastructure even in the poorest urban areas, with the support of local and national institutions.
• Yes, by supporting projects in areas where minorities live and providing job opportunities to those who have been historically disadvantaged.
• A key contribution of infrastructure spending is the creation of jobs and contributing to local economic growth. Infrastructure also provides access to essential services – water, energy, transport, connectivity and healthcare – and thus plays a big role in mitigating inequality.
• Digital infrastructure will help to deploy more connected networks and bridge the digital divide, and therefore provide people with more education.
• Major infrastructure projects can promote access to essential services and jobs, as well as facilitating economic participation.