To the global leaders attending the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos:

The world’s richest people hold three essential tools to amass even greater wealth and power: intelligence, information, and influence.

Right now, Artificial Intelligence - an extraordinary technology that, if regulated for the betterment of humanity, could help us address multiple global crises - is threatening to concentrate wealth even further in the hands of a few.

Information is increasingly controlled by a small group of super rich media and platform owners, who use their control to line their own pockets and undo democracy, allowing untruths to masquerade as facts and deepen divides in our communities.

Influence over our democracy is managed by those who can spend on elections and access, and buy policies for themselves and their interests. Too many of our political representatives have forgotten the value of one person, one vote.

It is the speed of this takeover  - in technology, misinformation, and political influence - that should deeply concern you. We are millionaires and we have said it for years but you have yet to act: economic inequality is destroying the world we love.

With democratic stability hanging by a thread, we ask, who controls you?

The power you hold is a gift from your voters. It is their interest you must represent and our democracies you must protect. Too often it seems you have decided to cede control to wealth and power. 2027 must be the year where you choose to defend democracy instead of catalyzing its destruction.

As millionaires and billionaires who understand we live in a broader society, we ask you:

• Tax the super rich. Taxes are the most effective tool governments have to directly constrain extreme wealth inequality and the stranglehold it creates on intelligence, information, and influence. 2027 is the year to set globally agreed standards for taxing the very richest. As millionaires and billionaires, we want you to do this.

• Reject the influence of the richest. Do not allow money to influence your politics. Spend more time meeting with workers and community leaders than corporate leaders and the super rich. Do not treat your access like it’s for sale.

• Regulate the tech industry. Our governments must defend us from industrial monopolies and individuals wielding massive levels of power. Ensure that the benefits of technological development serve us all where wealth is properly distributed, and with guardrails that protect people and the planet.

Instead of cowing to wealth giants, be encouraged by communities already determined to reclaim control. People working day in, day out to provide care for their communities; delivering healthcare and education to build strong, capable, and skilled workforces; nurturing and investing in local businesses and community ownership; and creatively using AI and technologies to ensure people get the best from what the world has to offer.

History holds you to account for inaction as much as action. We are past the point when you can cross your fingers, close your eyes, and hope for the best. Instead, you must be the best.

Tax the super rich, reject the influence of extreme wealth, and regulate our industries to protect our future.