Winne van Woerden, a policy expert in new economics at Oxfam Novib, advocates for a fundamental shift in the economic system to address inequality and environmental issues. She argues that the current system disproportionately benefits the super-rich and fails to meet the needs of the majority, while also exceeding the planet’s limits.

Van Woerden emphasizes the need to move away from the pursuit of economic growth, which she believes exacerbates both climate disruption and inequality. She contends that the idea of “green growth” is a myth and that continued growth, even with clean technology, leads to increased energy demand and resource depletion.

Oxfam Novib is actively involved in addressing wealth inequality, particularly in the Netherlands, which ranks high among countries with significant wealth disparities. Van Woerden’s work focuses on connecting economic activities in developed nations with their effects in developing countries.

Drawing from her experiences and readings, including Naomi Klein’s “This Changes Everything,” Van Woerden calls for a society that prioritizes equality and sustainable living. She envisions an economy that operates within planetary boundaries and meets the basic needs of all people.

Van Woerden acknowledges the deep-seated desire for material prosperity but believes the focus should be on exposing the power structures that perpetuate inequality. She sees the richest 1 percent as a symbol of the failure of the neoliberal system.

While acknowledging the challenges and setbacks, Van Woerden remains hopeful, drawing inspiration from past social movements that achieved significant change. She emphasizes the importance of offering a compelling alternative narrative to counter the radical right’s exploitation of public dissatisfaction. She believes that progressive movements must provide a new story that replaces the old one, focusing on a more democratic and sustainable economic future.

Van Woerden suggests exploring cooperative models in healthcare, energy, and agriculture, as well as social enterprises with steward ownership, as examples of a movement towards greater economic democracy. She believes that involving people in determining which sectors are desirable and sustainable is crucial.

Despite recent setbacks, such as cuts in development cooperation, Van Woerden remains committed to advocating for a fairer and more sustainable economic system. She sees these challenges as encouragement to continue making voices heard and pushing for systemic change.