Open Research promises universal access to knowledge — but without equity, openness risks reinforcing privilege. This 2023 study in *Royal Society Open Science* brings together 29 experts from 16 countries to co-create practical reforms that make Open Research fair for everyone. The authors identify three barriers: resource inequality, publication costs, and reward systems that undervalue collaboration. They recommend shared open-source infrastructure, global funding partnerships, transparent pricing, and training tailored to local contexts. They also propose “diamond open access” models that remove fees for authors altogether and shift research evaluation toward qualitative impact rather than citation counts. The paper introduces the concept of *global thinking* — a systemic approach that links tools, skills, communities, and policies under a shared goal of fairness. Aligned with initiatives like DORA and the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science, the authors argue that equity must be a pre-condition for openness, not a by-product. Ultimately, they warn, “open” does not automatically mean “equal.” Without deliberate reform, Open Research can reproduce the same hierarchies it hopes to dismantle. Equity is the foundation on which a truly open scientific future must be built. Produced by Cognivault — insight, intelligence, and innovation made clear.