The term Fourth World is outdated and offensive to many. It is often linked to indigenous people or any populations of the world who are seen as the least developed and most deserving of assistance, support and empathy.

The term encapsulates the millions of people living in the world’s most poverty-stricken and marginalized regions, often with no formal political ties. These are usually rural and isolated populations, subsistence farmers and diasporas of marginalised peoples, many of whom may be classified as indigenous.

The term fourth world can refer to any of the most deprived and marginalised areas within a country, or even to the entire world population. In this way, it is seen by some as a way of understanding the world’s global disparities, which means that some countries, particularly those in the global South, suffer disproportionately from living in extreme poverty and deprivation.

At the same time, when used accurately, the term can also be a way to connect the struggles of indigenous people and other marginalised populations with the global issues related to global inequality and human rights.

Fourth world people can be found in a variety of marginalized contexts, including conflict zones, deserts, and cities. Communities in poverty-stricken regions of countries such as India, Pakistan, Haiti, and Somalia are often considered to be part of the fourth world.

Many of these communities depend on land and resources for their survival and are highly vulnerable to environmental changes such as drought, deforestation, and climate change. As a result, lack of access to basic services and health care exacerbates their plight. These people often face unbelievable obstacles to achieving economic security and escaping poverty.

International organisations have the responsibility of advocating for fourth world peoples who, despite being part of the international community, are often invisible and unheard. Governments and international organisations need to foster long-term investment in areas to provide education, access to resources, and political representation.

The term fourth world encompasses many issues of global development, such as poverty, inequality, and lack of access to basic services, however, even more pressing are the issues of human rights and the right to autonomy and self-determination for the communities and individuals within the fourth world. This means promoting international aid and advocacy that would foster community-led development of their own autonomy and safety, while still respecting the rights of all.