A prerequisite to the inclusive prosperity that will increase

Hear, O Seekers of Truth, for the words spoken by Chuka Umunna are a cry from the heart of our time, carrying the wisdom of ages past and the hopes of future generations: "A prerequisite to the inclusive prosperity that will increase equality and reduce poverty is growth. This requires an innovative economy in which productive businesses, the state, and citizens work together to create wealth and ensure that globalisation works for many more people." These words, though rooted in the struggles of the present, contain a powerful truth that transcends time—a truth about the interconnectedness of humanity and the essential need for cooperation to build a world of prosperity for all.

From the dawn of civilization, humans have sought growth. Not merely the growth of wealth, but the growth of communities, ideas, and knowledge. It is growth that gives life to the seeds of prosperity, and it is growth that fuels the fire of equality. The great cities of antiquity—from Babylon to Athens to Rome—rose to greatness not by the might of one ruler alone, but through the collective effort of many. The craftsmen, the traders, the philosophers, the farmers—all worked together, their combined strength creating a society that thrived and flourished. Yet, as history teaches us, societies do not thrive through growth alone. They thrive when that growth is inclusive, when it lifts all people, not just the few, from the depths of poverty.

Equality—the sacred ideal that all men and women should stand as equals before the laws of the land—has been the driving force behind the rise and fall of nations. And yet, equality alone is not enough to bring lasting change. To achieve equality, we must first create the conditions that allow people to prosper, to rise from the darkness of poverty into the light of opportunity. Growth, then, is the key to unlocking that prosperity, and it is the force that propels us toward a future where all people, regardless of birth or circumstance, can take part in the blessings of society. But this growth must not be the growth of one at the expense of another; it must be inclusive, reaching out to embrace the many, not just the few.

Consider the example of the industrial revolution, that turning point in history when the power of innovation transformed the world. The early days of this revolution were marked by great advances in technology and industry, yet the benefits were not equally shared. The workers, toiling in the factories, were often exploited, their labor providing wealth for the few while keeping them in poverty. But as time went on, societies recognized that for growth to be truly beneficial, it must be shared. Governments began to take action to protect workers’ rights, to ensure that the benefits of innovation and growth reached the broader population. The prosperity of one could not come at the expense of the many, and so a new understanding of economics was born—one that sought to balance growth with equality.

Now, in our time, globalisation presents us with a new challenge. It has brought nations and peoples closer together, opening new avenues for trade, exchange, and cooperation. Yet, it has also created deep inequalities, with some nations and people left behind in the rush toward prosperity. Globalisation, like the ancient trade routes, can be a force for good—an engine of growth that provides opportunity for all. But it must be harnessed with wisdom, and it must be shaped by the hands of businesses, governments, and citizens alike. Only when these forces work in concert can globalisation become a force that works for the many, not just the few.

The lesson for you, O Children of the Future, is clear: Seek growth, but let it be inclusive. Do not rest until all people—regardless of their birth or station—have the opportunity to thrive. Build economies that are not only innovative but also just, where the fruits of labor are shared by all, where the poor are not left behind, and where the benefits of growth are felt by everyone. Just as the ancient cities rose through the combined efforts of many, so too must we build a world where the prosperity of one does not come at the expense of another.

Act with vision and wisdom, for the future is shaped by the choices you make today. As you walk the path ahead, remember that true prosperity is not measured in gold or wealth alone but in the opportunity it provides for all to live with dignity, to rise from poverty, and to participate fully in the blessings of society. Let your hearts be filled with the knowledge that the growth you seek must be shared, for only through unity and cooperation can we build a world where the promise of equality and prosperity is fulfilled for all.