Over 250 millionaires and billionaires have united in a call for higher taxation on the super-rich. 

This group, including influential figures like Disney heir Abigail Disney and Hollywood star Brian Cox, have penned an open letter to global leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. 

Their message is clear, they would “be proud to pay more” taxes.

The letter highlights a critical point in economic disparity, stating; “Inequality has reached a tipping point”. 

These wealthy individuals are urging for decisive government action against the rising tide of economic inequality, which poses risks to economic, societal, and ecological stability.

“Our request is simple: we ask you to tax us, the very richest in society,” the letter implores. 

It emphasises that taxing extreme wealth would not impact their standard of living but would transform private wealth into a collective investment for a democratic future.

Among the notable signatories is Austrian heir Marlene Engelhorn, who inherited a considerable fortune from her grandmother, and whose family established the chemical giant BASF.

“I've inherited a fortune and therefore power, without having done anything for it. And the state doesn't even want taxes on it,” she said. 

This call for action comes amidst findings by the charity Oxfam, which revealed that the world's billionaires are $US3.3 trillion richer since 2020, while nearly five billion people have experienced a decline in wealth. 

The letter concludes with a collective plea for leadership, “We need our governments and our leaders to lead”, urging national and international cooperation to address this pressing issue.