I’m thrilled to have began this yr as the brand new chief government of the New Economics Basis (NEF). That is an organisation that I’ve lengthy admired, particularly for the unbelievable work that my predecessor, Miatta Fahnbulleh, led in her time right here. From analysing the autumn finances, to reimagining how power payments ought to work and constructing energy in communities throughout the UK, NEF is able to tackle the challenges of 2024.

This yr marks 40 years since The Different Financial Summit was first held. The Summit, held as an alternative choice to the G7 Summit being hosted by the UK in 1984, led to the creation of NEF just a few years later. Again then economists and activists might see that the rise of neoliberalism was threatening each our residing requirements and the well being of the setting we rely on.

4 a long time on, their evaluation has sadly been confirmed appropriate. Over the previous 40 years the principles that form our economic system have been rewritten to assist company energy and rich elites.

These guidelines shift wealth from the remainder of us to the very richest, make our jobs and houses much less safe, and speed up environmental breakdown. We will see this right now, in our threadbare NHS and faculties, excessive residing prices and low wages, and rising heatwaves, droughts and floods.

There’s a higher approach to run our economic system, beginning with a state that prioritises individuals’s wellbeing and a wholesome planet over a misplaced religion in free markets and competitors. 

The problems that NEF has labored on, and the strategy it has taken, have all the time felt salient, however right now they’re extra pressing than ever. I wrote to colleagues and mates asking what makes NEF particular — and I couldn’t agree extra with one of many responses I acquired:

“Our place inside the political panorama permits us to name for basic change, one thing most organisations can’t do. By designing and selling daring coverage options we’ve got a chance to shift the controversy and alter opinions.”

I’m excited to steer NEF by means of its subsequent part. As we strategy a normal election within the UK, and with so many burning challenges going through the world, NEF’s work feels timelier than ever. However it should take all of us working collectively.

If you’re already an energetic a part of NEF’s community and already donate to NEF, thanks a lot! The work we do to basically remodel the economic system challenges vested pursuits so your assist is especially important.

Should you don’t donate already, please think about becoming a member of our Supporters’ Community with a month-to-month donation.

Right here’s to a protected, profitable and sustainable 2024!