Every four seconds, inequality kills one person. The world’s poorest people face the deadliest threats everyday—be it hunger, gender-based violence, or disease. Many of them live in remote communities that lack opportunities and resources, such as schools and health clinics. 

At the same time, a new billionaire emerges every 26 hours. This extreme divide in wealth unleashes monopolies, climate injustice, and social discrimination that reinforces the cycle of poverty.

Sustainable Development Goal 10—”reduced inequalities”—aims to reverse this trend. Even as inequality is on the rise, one bright spot offers relief: the sun. Solar energy is enabling more people, especially rural and underserved communities, to access electricity. And when houses, schools, clinics, and businesses gain access to power, their inhabitants do too. 

An Overview of Goal 10

Sustainable Development Goal 10 strives to “reduce inequality within and among countries” by bringing equal opportunities to everyone, regardless of their gender, race, religion, or economic status.

Here’s where we stand on key targets of Goal 10: 

• Pre-pandemic, the income of the bottom 40% of the population grew at a rate higher than the national average in 50 countries. The effects of the pandemic threaten this progress. 
• Between 2017 and 2021, there was a 1.2% increase in inequality within countries.
• 1 in 5 people have experienced discrimination on grounds prohibited under international human rights.
• In 2022, 32.5 million people needed to flee their countries, and 6,878 people died doing so. 
• In some countries, women are twice as likely to experience discrimination as men.
• The proportion of income going to labor declined by 1.5% from 2014-2019. That’s equivalent to each worker earning $590 less—a sizable amount for those in poverty. 

Inequality is a complex issue, and in poor and vulnerable areas, it can keep progress out of reach. 

5 Ways Solar Energy Reduces Inequality 

Clean and affordable energy targets the roots of inequalities. By improving resources for those facing financial and social discrimination, energy transforms the lives of learners, workers, and dreamers around the world. Solar, specifically, targets inequality in 5 key ways: 

• Boosting incomes. The bottom 10% of the population earns only 2-7% of global income—whereas 40% of global income resides with the world’s top earners. Solar energy closes that gap by creating new economic opportunities in poor regions. 
• Expanding education. Nelson Mandela once said, “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Yet, 244 million people are out of school right now. Solar energy empowers children to attend school by lighting classrooms and attracting educators. 
• Powering health and wellbeing. Solar energy reduces inequality in healthcare, as it provides a reliable power source for refrigerating vaccines, running medical equipment, and lighting operating rooms. This keeps people healthy and able to attend school or work. 
• Building resilience. The poorest communities are often the least resilient to disasters and emergencies. Solar energy helps families care for their needs, adapt to changing environments, access resources, and build back after crisis hits. 
• Closing the gap. Many people have lived their entire lives without electricity. When governments and organizations work to bring decentralized technologies, such as solar mini-grids, to communities, they close the gap between rural and urban areas. That’s a pivotal step to a world of shared prosperity and meaningful connectivity. 

Innovations in Solar Technology for Social Equity

Technological advances in solar energy are making it possible to reach the most underserved populations efficiently. Off-grid solar mini-grids, portable solar home kits, and pay-as-you-go solar systems bring reliable electricity to remote villages without the need for expensive infrastructure. Smart solar-powered appliances, like water pumps, refrigerators, and communication hubs, enhance education, health, and livelihood opportunities while reducing the need for costly diesel or kerosene fuel.

In urban informal settlements, rooftop solar and community microgrids can provide consistent energy without adding pressure to overstretched public utilities. Innovations such as solar-powered streetlights and charging stations also improve safety and accessibility, particularly for women and children. By making clean energy more adaptable and scalable, solar technology directly supports equity and inclusion for marginalized communities.

Connections in Action: Uplifting Refugees with Solar Energy 

The Gihembe refugee camp is a sanctuary for many. Kirakunda, a high school student, dreams of becoming a doctor one day. Sarah, a mother of two, is grateful for a safe space to raise her children. Chantel, the resident tailor, spreads love with her sewing creations. 

These three women fled from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, seeking a better future with their families in Rwanda. They are part of 144,622 refugees in the country, many who have escaped violence and civil unrest. 

They may have a roof over their heads, but their futures remain uncertain. Kirakunda struggles to study at nighttime, for her candles and lanterns burn through quickly. Sarah hesitates to step outside, fearing the danger of darkness. Chantel cannot grow her business without a quality sewing machine. This is the burden of inequality. It can be insurmountable. 

That’s where the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) stepped in. In collaboration with the IKEA Foundation and Practical Action, the three organizations committed to powering refugee communities with renewable energy. The initiative benefits 60,000 families in Rwanda and Jordan—creating a more equal world for displaced children, women, and families. 

This means that Kirakunda can get the light she needs to study biology. Sarah can walk outside after nightfall with her children. Chantel can grow her business with better tools. And that’s all powered by sunshine. 

With the opportunities energy provides, refugees can overcome inequality and reclaim their destinies.

Community-Led Solar Initiatives for Reducing Inequalities

Empowering communities to manage their energy needs ensures sustainability and social inclusion. Across the globe, local cooperatives and NGOs are deploying solar projects that provide electricity to schools, clinics, businesses, and households. These initiatives create local jobs, foster skills development, and stimulate small business growth—all while bridging the gap between urban and rural populations.

Community-driven solar programs also strengthen resilience to social and environmental shocks. Families can safely store food and medicine, children can study after dark, and entrepreneurs can expand their businesses. By placing decision-making and ownership in the hands of the community, these projects not only reduce inequalities but also promote a sense of agency, solidarity, and long-term sustainability.

Looking Forward: Solar Energy and Reduced Inequalities

Goal 10 empowers everyone to be socially, economically, and politically included. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you live, or what you believe in. By uplifting marginalized communities with solar systems, we’re placing power in the hands of the people—enabling them to champion their own futures.

There’s still much work to be done. Millions of people remain disadvantaged because of their identities and circumstances. But as awareness grows and opportunities follow, the narrative is shifting. It’s up to each of us to determine if tomorrow will be more equitable than today.