Ex-world leaders call for ‘powerful shift’ as they warn of extreme inequality

Former leaders urge current state heads to work together to end poverty amid potential of first trillionaires emerging

The world is facing a looming crisis of inequality that could see the first trillionaires emerge while nearly half of humanity still languishes in poverty, a group of 40 former presidents and prime ministers warns.

In a letter seen by the Guardian, the group - which includes ex-British prime minister Gordon Brown - issues a joint appeal to current world leaders for a new economic coalition of the willing" to address the escalating threats of inequality, poverty and environmental breakdown.