#SDG8 DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

Economic growth should be a positive force for the whole planet. This is why we must make sure that financial progress creates decent and fulfilling jobs while not harming the environment. We must protect labor rights and once and for all put a stop to modern slavery and child labor. If we promote job creation with expanded access to banking and financial services, we can make sure that everybody gets the benefits of entrepreneurship and innovation.

Targets

Everyone can help to make sure that we meet the Global Goals. Use these targets to create action to ensure decent work and sustainable economic growth.

8.1 SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH

Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances and, in particular, at least 7 per cent gross domestic product growth per annum in the least developed countries.

8.2 DIVERSIFY, INNOVATE AND UPGRADE FOR ECONOMIC PRODUCTIVITY

Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labor-intensive sectors.

8.3 PROMOTE POLICIES TO SUPPORT JOB CREATION AND GROWING ENTERPRISES

Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services.

8.4 IMPROVE RESOURCE EFFICIENCY IN CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION

Improve progressively, through 2030, global resource efficiency in consumption and production and endeavor to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation, in accordance with the 10‑Year Framework of Programs on Sustainable Consumption and Production, with developed countries taking the lead.

8.5 FULL EMPLOYMENT AND DECENT WORK WITH EQUAL PAY

By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.

8.6 PROMOTE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION AND TRAINING

By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training.

8.7 END MODERN SLAVERY, TRAFFICKING AND CHILD LABOR

Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labor in all its forms.

8.8 PROTECT LABOR RIGHTS AND PROMOTE SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENTS

Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment.

8.9 PROMOTE BENEFICIAL AND SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.

Thoughts

Over the past 25 years the number of workers living in extreme poverty has declined dramatically, despite the lasting impact of the 2008 economic crisis and global recession. In developing countries, the middle class now makes up more than 34 percent of total employment – a number that has almost tripled between 1991 and 2015. However, as the global economy continues to recover we are seeing slower growth, widening inequalities, and not enough jobs to keep up with a growing labour force. According to the International Labour Organization, more than 204 million people were unemployed in 2015. The SDGs promote sustained economic growth, higher levels of productivity and technological innovation. Encouraging entrepreneurship and job creation are key to this, as are effective measures to eradicate forced labour, slavery and human trafficking. With these targets in mind, the goal is to achieve full and productive employment, and decent work, for all women and men by 2030.