essay on decent work and economic growth

Decent work & economic growth

Rebuilding economies after covid-19: will countries recover.

[goal: 8] aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full employment, and decent work for all. COVID-19 caused the deepest global recession in decades, reducing global GDP by 3.1 percent in 2020. Today only 5 percent of the world population live in a country that is on track to return to or surpass pre-COVID projections of economic output.

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The damage done

Global gdp growth, covid-19 took a heavy toll on the global economy in 2020, gdp growth (annual %).

Source: World Bank, Global Economic Prospects ([link: https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/global-economic-prospects NYGDPMKTPKDZ]). World Development Indicators ([link: https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG]).

The pandemic's impact across regions continues

Gdp growth rate, adjusted for inflation. post-2022 data is projected.

Source: World Bank, Global Economic Prospects June 2023 ([link: https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/global-economic-prospects NYGDPMKTPKDZ])

Global economic recovery remains elusive

Economic output, $4.7 trillion.

lower than expected in 2020

Global GDP has fallen behind pre-COVID projections

Level of gdp compared to pre-covid projections (value for 2019=100).

Source: [link: https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/global-economic-prospects World Bank Global Economic Prospects]

COVID-19 caused damage across regions

In 2023, [emphasis: 95 percent of people] live in countries with [emphasis: lower GDP growth] than forecast before the pandemic.

Only 23 countries out of 188 are on track to recover from COVID-19 impacts by 2023

Source: Global Economic Prospects ([link: https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/global-economic-prospects NYGDPMKTPKDZ]). World Development Indicators ([link: https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.KD NY.GDP.MKTP.KD])

Growth in India and Indonesia not on track to make up lost GDP

Source: Global Economic Prospects ([link: https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/global-economic-prospects NYGDPMKTPKDZ]). World Development Indicators ([link: https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.KD NY.GDP.MKTP.KD]).

China on lower growth trajectory

Some countries have made up lost ground, some countries have benefited from high commodity prices or natural resource discoveries, ukraine: a double impact, gdp in tourism-dependent economies.

lower than expected

Economies based on tourism took a large hit

Choose a country to explore impacts, covid-19’s impact on jobs, unemployment remains elevated compared with pre-covid levels, unemployment, total (% of total labor force).

Source: [link: https://ilostat.ilo.org/ ILOSTAT]

Women have higher rates of unemployment than men in most regions

Regional gap between the unemployment rate of men and women, will the recovery be shared.

In [emphasis: 60 percent] of countries with data, the bottom 40 percent of income grew faster from 2012 to 2017.

Countries differ in how well prosperity is shared

Source: [link: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/poverty/brief/global-database-of-shared-prosperity World Bank Global Database of Shared Prosperity, 2012-17. 9th vintage].

Learn more about SDG 8

In the charts below you can find more facts about SDG {activeGoal} targets, which are not covered in this story. The data for these graphics is derived from official UN data sources.

SDG target 8.10

Financial account ownership is lower among women and those with less education.

Account ownership by gender and education, 2021 (% of population ages 15 and older).

Source: Global Findex Database. Retrieved from World Development Indicators ([link: https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/FX.OWN.TOTL.MA.ZS FX.OWN.TOTL.MA.ZS], [link: https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/FX.OWN.TOTL.FE.ZS FX.OWN.TOTL.FE.ZS], [link: https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/FX.OWN.TOTL.PL.ZS FX.OWN.TOTL.PL.ZS], [link: https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/FX.OWN.TOTL.SO.ZS FX.OWN.TOTL.SO.ZS]). DOWNLOAD

SDG target 8.6

In most countries, young women are less likely to participate in education, employment, or training.

Proportion of youth (aged 15-24 years) not in education, employment or training (neet).

* The figure only includes countries with at least one estimate for 2010-2019. When multiple estimates are available for the same country in the same decade, the latest value is used. Only data for eight high-income countries are available.

Source: International Labour Organization (ILO). Retrieved from World Development Indicators ([link: https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SL.UEM.NEET.MA.ZS SL.UEM.NEET.MA.ZS], [link: https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SL.UEM.NEET.FE.ZS SL.UEM.NEET.FE.ZS]). DOWNLOAD

The unbanked population has shrunk from close to 2.5 billion in 2011 to around 1.2 billion in 2021

Adults with no account (%), 2011-2021.

Source: World Bank. [link: https://globalfindex.worldbank.org/ Global Findex Database] DOWNLOAD

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GOAL 8: Decent work and economic growth

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

Preserving the environment is key to support sustainable economic growth as the natural environment plays an important role in supporting economic activities. It contributes directly, by providing resources and raw materials such as water, timber and minerals that are required as inputs for the production of goods and services; and indirectly, through services provided by ecosystems including carbon sequestration, water purification, managing flood risks, and nutrient cycling.

`Natural` disasters directly affect economic activities leading to very high economic losses throwing many households into poverty. Maintaining ecosystems and mitigating climate change can therefore have a great positive impact on countries` economic and employment sectors

Sustained and inclusive economic growth is a prerequisite for sustainable development, which can contribute to improved livelihoods for people around the world. Economic growth can lead to new and better employment opportunities and provide greater economic security for all. Moreover, rapid growth, especially among the least developed and developing countries, can help them reduce the wage gap relative to developed countries, thereby diminishing glaring inequalities between the rich and poor.

Indicators:

• 8.4.1 Material footprint, material footprint per capita and material footprint per GDP (Tier II*)
• 8.4.2 Domestic material consumption, domestic material consumption per capita, and domestic material consumption per GDP (Tier I)

* Agreed methodology only at global level. Not for country level monitoring.

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SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

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Goal 8 Decent work and economic growth

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

Over the past 25 years the number of workers living in extreme poverty has declined dramatically, despite the long-lasting impact of the economic crisis of 2008/2009. 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 employment that is not expanding fast enough to keep up with the growing labour force. According to the International Labour Organization, more than 204 million people are unemployed in 2015.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to encourage sustained economic growth by achieving higher levels of productivity and through technological innovation. Promoting policies that encourage 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.

Decent work is one of 17 Global Goals that make up the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development . An integrated approach is crucial for progress across the multiple goals.

Learn more about the targets for Goal 8 .

• The global unemployment rate in 2017 was 5.6per cent, down from 6.4per cent in 2000.
• Globally, 61per cent of all workers were engaged in informal employment in 2016. Excluding the agricultural sector, 51per cent of all workers fell into this employment category.
• Men earn 12.5per cent more than women in 40 out of 45 countries with data.
• The global gender pay gap stands at 23 per cent globally and without decisive action, it will take another 68 years to achieve equal pay. Women’s labour force participation rate is 63 per cent while that of men is 94 per cent.
• Despite their increasing presence in public life, women continue to do 2.6 times the unpaid care and domestic work that men do.
• 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
• Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labour-intensive sectors
• 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
• Improve progressively, through 2030, global resource efficiency in consumption and production and endeavour to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation, in accordance with the 10-year framework of programmes on sustainable consumption and production, with developed countries taking the lead
• 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
• By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training
• Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labour in all its forms
• Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment
• By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products
• Strengthen the capacity of domestic financial institutions to encourage and expand access to banking, insurance and financial services for all
• Increase Aid for Trade support for developing countries, in particular least developed countries, including through the Enhanced Integrated Framework for Trade-Related Technical Assistance to Least Developed Countries
• By 2020, develop and operationalize a global strategy for youth employment and implement the Global Jobs Pact of the International Labour Organization

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From “Decent work and economic growth” to “Sustainable work and economic degrowth”: a new framework for SDG 8

• Original Paper
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• Published: 23 October 2021
• Volume 49 , pages 281–311, ( 2022 )

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• Halliki Kreinin   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-0095-8393 1 , 2 &
• Ernest Aigner   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-8195-3588 1 , 3 , 4  

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The sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) have successfully raised awareness and built momentum for taking collective action, while also remaining uncritical of the central causes of the environmental crises – economic growth, inequality, and overconsumption in the Global North. We analyse SDG 8 “Decent Work and Economic Growth” from the perspective of strong sustainability – as phenomena, institutions and ideologies – and find that it does not fit the criteria of strong sustainability. Based on this observation, we propose a novel framework for SDG8 in line with strong sustainability and the latest scientific research, “Sustainable Work and Economic Degrowth”, including a first proposal for new sub-goals, targets and indicators. This encompasses an integrated systems approach to achieving the SDGs’ overalls goals – a sustainable future for present and future generations. The key novel contributions of the paper include new indicators to measure societies’ dependence on economic growth, to ensure the provisioning of welfare independent of economic growth.

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1 Introduction

The SDGs, as part of the UN’s “2030 Agenda” were meant as a global answer to the problems posed by looming environmental crises and poverty (UN 2015 ). The aim of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their 169 targets was to set an ambitious new plan to “end poverty without imposing significant costs on Earth’s life-support systems” (Gaffney 2014 ). The SDGs have been successful in bringing attention to many different ecological and social crises and are an impressive product of political compromise and dialogue. Some of the SDGs have been praised by environmental researchers for aiming to “achieve harmony with nature”, with corresponding indicators concentrating on the environmental impact of human societies in line with strong sustainability, i.e., such as SDG 6 – “Clean Water and Sanitation” “Life below Water” (SDG 14), and “Life on Land” (SDG 15) (Hickel 2019a ; Eisenmenger et al. 2020 ). Social goals such as “No Poverty” (SDG 1), “Zero Hunger” (SDG 2), “Good Health and Well-Being” (SDG 3), “Quality Education” (SDG 4), and “Gender Equality” (SDG 5), indicate the extent to which globally unequal social relations and unmet human needs structure everyday lives and still plague global societies (UN 2015 ).

However, they have also remained contested due to some inherent inconsistencies – most visible in the case of SDG 8, the focus of this policy study. Criticism of internal inconsistencies include that SDG 1 accounts for poverty only monetarily, not in terms of human needs, and without facilitating the redistribution of wealth, suggesting that it therefore cannot meet its goal of poverty reduction (Salleh 2016 ; Lim et al. 2018 ; Hickel 2019a ). It is also argued that further guidelines are needed to make sure that SDG 9 (“Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure”) is compatible with sustainability (Lim et al. 2018 ), and that SDG 17 (“Partnerships for the Goals”) facilitates the corporate capture of the SDGs (Rai et al. 2019 ; Eisenmenger et al. 2020 ). SDG 8 “Decent work and economic growth”, which undermines sustainability directly, has come under the most extensive criticism from the start of the Agenda 2030 process and discussions (Adelman 2018 ; Demaria 2018 ; Rai et al. 2019 ; Hickel 2019a ; Eisenmenger et al. 2020 ). This is because long-term economic growth is at odds with ecological sustainability (Haberl et al. 2020 ; Wiedenhofer et al. 2020 ). The need for remaining within a safe operating space for humanity also encompasses the need for transforming work, creating new forms of work, and terminating work, since the work process is the mediating link between society and the environment (UNDP 2015 ). This makes the focus on the “decency” of work a good start for social outcomes, but inadequate for long-term social-ecological sustainability. Reimagining SDG 8 – from “Decent Work and Economic Growth” to “Sustainable Work and Economic Degrowth” is therefore a critical first step to making the SDGs more internally coherent, and meeting the goals of Agenda 2030.

We provide a new framework, targets, sub goals and indicators for SDG 8 in line with the latest scientific evidence and the paradigm of strong sustainability. The new framework provides a starting point for further discussions on indicators to measure societies’ independence of growth, and hence move towards sustainability. The remaining sections are organised as follows. Section  2 reviews the relevant literature and provides the background for the study. Section  3 documents the research method and design of the study. Section  4 provides the findings of the analysis of the current SDG 8 framework, as well as the new proposed indicator framework. Finally, Sect.  5 provides tentative policy advice, provisional conclusions, and avenues for further research in this field.

2 Conceptual framework: Strong Sustainability, Degrowth, and Sustainable Work

“[T]he strong sustainability criteria (…) is derived from the recognition that natural resources are essential inputs in economic production, consumption or welfare that cannot be substituted for by physical or human capital(…) it is understood that some environmental components are unique and that some environmental processes may be irreversible (over relevant time horizons). (…) Strong sustainability focuses on ecosystems and environmental assets that are critical in the sense of providing unique and essential services (such as life-support) or unique and irreplaceable non-use values. The ozone layer is an example of the first; songbirds or coral reefs might be an example of the second.” (Ayres et al. 2001 , pp. 4–5)

The research fields of degrowth and sustainable work are based on the paradigm of strong sustainability that views the economy as a sub-system of society, in itself a sub-system of the environment (Ayres et al. 2001 ; Elder and Olsen 2019 ). While societal and economic systems are not “natural” (they are not bound by any “natural laws” but rather created by humans, and can therefore be altered), it is not possible to alter the natural system or ecological limits (Spash 2020 ). If there is a conflict between the economic, and environmental aspects of sustainability, this means that we must prioritise the environmental, as both society and economy are dependent on it.

Research in degrowth is interested in a “socially sustainable and equitable reduction (and eventually stabilisation) of society's throughput” while ensuring wellbeing (Kallis 2011 , p. 873). Currently postgrowth/degrowth scenarios, while politically complicated, are humanity’s best bet to avoiding a devastating 1.7 degrees of warming by 2030, as predicted by the latest IPCC report (Hickel et al. 2021a ). This is because “degrowth scenarios minimize many key risks for feasibility and sustainability compared to technology-driven pathways, such as the reliance on high energy-GDP decoupling, large-scale carbon dioxide removal and large-scale and high-speed renewable energy transformation” (Keyßer and Lenzen 2021 ). Importantly, the focus of degrowth lies in limiting the economic expansion of the Global North to give people in the Global South the chance to meet their material needs for wellbeing within the bounds of the planet. Degrowth is thus about reorienting the economy towards societal welfare – this might even entail nominal economic growth in the Global South in the short-term, as material and energy expansion is needed to provide for human needs. However, the key point is limiting economic expansion beyond what is needed for societal welfare to avoid ecological collapse – starting with the affluent North (Schneider et al. 2010 ; Kallis 2011 ). Degrowth in the Global North is needed most of all for the “buy-in” of the Global South to long-term social-ecological sustainability. Current lifestyles in the Global North are deeply unsustainable and unjust (Wiedmann et al. 2020 ). Replicating the old pattern of industrial development of the Global North in the Global South will place all (both Global North and Global South) outside the safe operating space for humanity with planetary boundaries (Krausmann et al. 2016 ; Görg et al. 2017 ; Steffen et al. 2018 ).

The sustainable work concept focuses on work as a relation between society and nature, in other words a relation of societal throughput in the economy. Relevant literature includes research on degrowth, postwork and ecofeminist critiques of both the organisation of work (productive and reproductive work), and its role in driving environmental crises through the consumption of materials/primary energy (Littig 2002 , 2018 ; UNDP 2015 ; Barth et al. 2016 , 2018 , 2019 ). Sustainable work also makes practical and normative suggestions for the societal organisation of work. Work should: (1) facilitate mixed work options for both men and women including paid/unpaid, self-providing, and community work; (2) allow for a “self-determined sustainable way of life for men and women”; (3) guarantee long-term health; (4) provide fair pay for all genders (including income and transfers); and (5) be in line with ecologically and socially compatible production of goods and services (Littig 2018 , p. 574). Of course, achieving sustainable work potentially reduces the significance of work in contemporary societies, for large fractions of work today are not in line with the four aspects of sustainable work. This has been emphasized by the UNDP ( 2015 ), as achieving sustainable work does not only require new forms of work, or the transformation of work, but also the termination of work. Importantly, the theory of sustainable work employed here departs from the concept of sustainable work used by Eurofound ( 2015 , 2017 ) and other researchers (i.e. Docherty et al. 2009 ) in relation to supporting life-course and full employment. These latter conceptualisations of sustainable work focus solely on social sustainability and do not include an in-depth consideration of the environment as the basis for the materials and energy inputs and waste-sink outputs of the work process, in line with the paradigm of strong sustainability.

In this paper, we first analyse SDG 8 from the perspective of strong sustainability, as phenomena, institutions and ideologies, and as the next step, provide a new alternative indicator framework. The new “Degrowth and Sustainable Work” framework roughly follows the approach of Foster et al. ( 2020 ) and Niemeijer and de Groot ( 2008 ) for selecting indicator sets. This process includes three steps: (1) defining a research question, (2) identifying a causal network (in this case the wider national and global policy arena), and (3) selecting indicators. This conceptual framework for indicator selection emphasises indicator sets, rather than single indicators, as well as focusing on the interrelation of different indicators and goals (in work, welfare, the economy, and the environment). It thus facilitates “the identification of the most relevant indicators for a specific domain, problem and location, leading to an indicator set that is at once transparent, efficient and powerful,” in its ability to consider economic and social drivers of environmental impacts (Niemeijer and de Groot 2008 , pp. 14, 16, 21).

This paper is underpinned by the new policy sociology theory of policy analysis and study. It sees the state (as well as the field of international policy-making) as a contested terrain of political action, rather than a unitary actor making simple managerial decisions based on rationality. The aim of policy study then, as one of the central purposes of socioeconomic research, is to review and evaluate policies meant to shape or guide societal (or environmental) welfare (Blackmore and Lauder 2005 ; Foster et al. 2020 ). Indicators “measure policy progress, success, or failure” but also assign importance to certain things, and thus “shape our view of ‘objective’ reality” (Foster et al. 2020 , p. 4). While the selection criteria for SDG indicators is the following: “policy-relevant, reliable, measurable/clearly defined, simple/easily communicated, broad in scope, and limited in number” (Allen et al. 2020 , p. 523), economic and social indicators of sustainability most importantly must be in line with the concept of strong sustainability and the latest environmental science (Wiedmann et al. 2020 ; IPCC 2021 ).

Since indicators shape social actuality through measuring and highlighting certain elements, it is important to be open and transparent about political priorities and subjective choices (which exist in every process of selecting indicators, and indeed in the wider policy process). In this policy study, the basis for selecting indicators for the new SDG 8 goal is a review of indicators to measure societal progress towards social and environmental welfare in line with environmental science and strong sustainability, relevant to economy and work. In addition, the contribution of this paper includes new proposed indicators, as a starting point for discussions on a new altered SDG 8. Footnote 1

The strong sustainability approach to environment-economy relations bears consequences for the types of indicators we use to assess sustainability and welfare, since, as mentioned above, indicators are normative, political, and value-laden tools. From the perspective of strong sustainability, therefore, sustainability indicators must measure scale, and distribution, while staying open to value pluralism (Roman and Thiry 2017 ). This translates to measuring the effects of the scale of economic activity on the environment, such as pressures on ecosystems, as well as the social foundations of the economy, including how material resources and welfare is divided between different groups globally and nationally. Finally, value pluralism means that an emphasis is put on critiquing and politicising the use of different measurements, and opening up the debate on indicators (Roman and Thiry 2017 ).

We follow the policy advice on (strong) sustainability indicators when proposing the new SDG 8 framework. There are a plethora of “beyond GDP” indicators aiming to measure welfare and sustainability, including indicator sets (dashboards), aggregate non-monetary indices, aggregate monetary indices, as well as subjective wellbeing indices – however, not all are in line with strong sustainability (Walker and Jackson 2019 ). The principles of strong sustainability exclude aggregate monetary indices as a relevant measure of the economy’s environmental sustainability as well as financial measurements of the environment, due to strong uncertainty, value incommensurability, and the preanalytic vision of the economy as a sub-system of the biosphere (Spash 2012 ; Roman and Thiry 2017 ). Aggregate non-monetary indices also include inherent problems with ranking and weighting, which can leave the resulting number easily manipulatable where there is a lack of cohesive theory (Walker and Jackson 2019 , p. 8).

The main shortcoming of indicators sets (such as the SDGs themselves), on the other hand, is that they can easily become overwhelming due to the number of different information included. There must therefore be a limit on the number of indicators included in order to provide a succinct and simple policy tool. Nevertheless, indicators sets can provide more complex and multidimensional information on progress (Walker and Jackson 2019 ). Subjective wellbeing indices can augment other indicators, since welfare also consists of subjective experiences – however, these measures can be susceptible to one-off events (i.e. moods), and cannot account for environmental sustainability (Walker and Jackson 2019 ). With certain exceptions for aggregate indices, we therefore largely focus on non-aggregate indicators of scale of the environmental impact of the economy, distribution of welfare and harm, and subjective wellbeing, as relevant measures of sustainable welfare for the new SDG 8 indicator set. Where possible, we refer to literature and existing indicators, suggesting necessary new indicators where needed, and limiting the number of indicators for conciseness and policy relevance. Some of the proposed indicators reflect a conceptual starting point and require additional research in collaboration with experts in the respective fields to better identify the causal mechanisms.

In summary, this policy study followed a coherent research design to develop a preliminary new framework for SDG 8 in line with strong sustainability. In the next section, we will present this framework and discuss the results of the policy analysis. (Table 1 ).

4 Strong sustainability and SDG 8

The current SDG 8 sub-goals can be seen in Table 2 in the Appendix, which also explains whether they pertain to economic growth, work, or both. A major concern of the ability of the SDGs to fulfil their goals is linked to SDG 8. As Table 2 shows, seven of the 12 sub-goals of SDG 8 focus on economic growth. Three focus directly on economic growth and production (sub-goals 8.1, 8.2, 8.3), while economic growth is related resource and energy use, tourism, financial markets and foreign direct investments in sub-goals 8.4, 8.9, 8.10, and 8.a, respectively. Eight out of the 12 sub-goals of SDG 8 are related to “work”. However, only two are indeed related to the decency of work (sub-goal 8.7 and 8.8), the rest of focus on the goal of increasing employment in society, and their respective productivity – which are not in line with strong sustainability and the UNDP ( 2015 ) framework on sustainable work (sub-goals 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.9, 8.b). “Decent work” is an important goal, however, since the work process in fundamentally important for sustainability, the goal must become sustainable work – to encompass social and environmental sustainability aspects of work, as well as decency, in line with the goals of Agenda 2030.

4.1 The problems with SDG 8 – “Economic Growth”

Since World War II, economic growth has dominated both societal discussions as well as Economics, despite long-standing critique. This is because economic growth represents not only a “phenomenon” but also an “institution”, and an “ideology” (Haapanen and Tapio 2016 ). GDP was born as a wartime measure to assess countries’ wartime production capabilities, but was never intended as a measure of wellbeing. It became a proxy for economic welfare as well as general societal welfare, due, in part, to the ease of the single numeric representation – despite its crass oversimplification of reality (Stiglitz et al. 2018 ). The use of GDP as a proxy for societal wellbeing has been widely criticised, yet GDP continues to hold dominance (Fitoussi and Durand 2018 ; Stiglitz et al. 2018 , 2020 ). In this section, we will analyse the problems with economic growth –as a “phenomenon” (i.e. its direct energy/material and waste manifestation), as an “institution” (i.e. in its relation to institutions such as the welfare state), and as an “ideology” (i.e. its dominance in public discussions as a “normal”/”natural” phenomenon outside critique), while referring to the sub-goals of SDG 8 and how these should be altered in line with strong sustainability (Haapanen and Tapio 2016 ).

4.1.1 Economic Growth as a phenomenon – social welfare

Considering economic growth as a phenomenon, many economists agree that economic growth fails to capture the most important aspects of social welfare. It does not capture the distribution of income in society, or the extent to which and how many members of society successfully have their basic needs met in the process of production and consumption. It does not measure health, happiness, education, equality of opportunity, or even whether the economy is headed for a crash (Fitoussi and Durand 2018 ; Stiglitz et al. 2018 , 2020 ). Despite correlations between welfare and GDP per capita, depending on the respective region, deviations are often large (Jones and Klenow 2016 ). There is also a long history of critique of equating economic growth or increased consumption with wellbeing (including health and happiness), rather than social policies (Easterlin 1974 ; Preston 1975 ). Wellbeing is related to economic activity, but this consideration must include the role nature and the physical reality of environmental systems, as well as broader societal institutions and norms, and considerations of the economic process as a historic, irreversible, materials and energy-converting process (Ayres and Warr 2009 ).

Many citizens in the Global South need better access to material and energy resources to meet their basic needs and improve their lives – which would even entail GDP growth. However, measuring GDP growth alone tell us little about whether increased production and consumption has improved access to basic resources for the material welfare of those in need, or been captured. Research suggests that especially in places of high deprivation, a focus on wellbeing and meeting human needs is more efficient (than a GDP-growth focus) and does so within planetary boundaries (Brand-Correa and Steinberger 2017 ; Hickel 2019a ; Steinberger et al. 2020 ). Although the Global North has experienced huge levels of economic growth since the 1970s and 1980s, this has not translated into increases in welfare because of stagnating wages and rising inequality (Rezai and Stagl 2016 ) and because consumption has mostly been spent on positional goods by higher income groups, not to meet human needs (O’Neill et al. 2018 ). Arguably, the positive relationship between economic growth and welfare from the start of industrialisation leading up to the 1970s, in Global North countries, was institutional – in other words it was due to political rules and institutions – as post-war public welfare was achieved in the political terrain of policy-making, in political struggles (Berberoglu 2019 ; Hickel 2019b ; Cahen-Fourot 2020 ). Collective provisioning systems (health care centres, public transport, garbage disposal, as well as access to shelter, sanitation and minimum floor area) have historically been more important to the attainment of wellbeing than average income or total energy consumption (Baltruszewicz et al. 2021 ).

The real aim of poverty reduction within planetary boundaries must focus on reducing inequality, not on further economic expansion as a way to avoid distributional issues – although this is politically much more difficult. Given the current relationship between economic growth and poverty reduction through income growth for the poorest, it would take 207 years to eliminate poverty ($5 a day) via economic growth, and require the global economy to grow to a size 175 times larger than in 2015 (Hickel 2015 ; Salleh 2016 ). Research on material flows shows the continuation of uneven relations between the Global North and Global South – “a widespread intuition in both capitalist core nations and more peripheral areas that the economic and technological expansion of the former occurs at the expense of the latter” (Hornborg 2009 , p. 245). Between 1990–2015, high-income countries have simultaneously appropriated resources with high-embodied material, labour and land from low-income countries, while generating monetary surplus though taking part in international trade – in effect keeping the Global North developed on the back of the Global South (Dorninger et al. 2021 ). This drain from the Global South to the Global North since the 1960s has totalled around $62 trillion, or $152 trillion (constant 2011 US Dollars) when also considering lost growth. Drain through unequal exchange now equals around $2.2 trillion a year, enough to end extreme poverty 15 times over (Hickel et al. 2021b ). Rises in foreign direct investments have been historically also tied to land grabbing and the destruction of local sustainable community livelihoods (De Schutter 2011 , 2013 ), while international trade currently increases global resource use (Plank et al. 2018 ). Further global trade, in its current form, can therefore be seen not as the answer to, but rather the driver of continued inequalities, underdevelopment, and environmental crises.

The inclusion of SDG sub-goals 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3 thus promotes a narrative of poverty reduction which is inefficient at best, and unsustainable in the long term (Lim et al. 2018 ). Sub-goal 8.a, on the other hand is not in line with current trade patterns of ecologically unequal exchange. Sub-goal 8.10 is contradictory to the overall (current) goal of SDG 8, as it remains open, how financialisation of the economy, nature, society, environment, or work, should contribute to economic growth or decent work (Epstein 2005 ; Fine 2013 ; Hache 2019 ; Kemp-Benedict and Kartha 2019 ). A better set of sub-goals would set out to provide welfare within planetary boundaries, and would aim to measure societal well-being in a society within the Earth’s carrying capacity – a measure of whether a society is moving towards a sustainable wellbeing economy. New indicators would need to include subjective and objective well-being measures; calculated for different societal groups (O’Neill 2012 ; O’Neill et al. 2018 ). Considering the well-being of the lowest group (for instance at the 10th percentile), would be especially important to achieving subjective and objective wellbeing for all. To measure material well-being, indicators measuring material deprivation and outlining access to basic social goods and services should be used, instead of using the proxy of GDP growth (Hickel 2019a ). We also suggest that one indicator should measure the wellbeing of non-human beings and eco-systems, which is not included in SDG 8, but forms a wider understanding of societal “wellbeing” in strong sustainability (Ayres et al. 2001 ; Kopnina and Cherniak 2015 ). This could include for instance measuring animal rights and share of wilderness and non-managed ecosystems. Further, wellbeing also entails human-nature relations in terms of a healthy and stable environment – which is separate from measuring the environmental impacts of the economy. We suggest that an additional indicator would be needed to be calculate this for generational welfare—in terms of the chances of living a full life, including long-term effects of the climate crisis and the probability of other tipping points that will mainly affect younger generations.

4.1.2 Economic Growth as a phenomenon – environmental welfare

Economic growth has historically been coupled to the devastation of the natural world, thus undermining the long-term ability of societies to provide for their needs. Economic growth has globally not been decoupled from resource consumption and environmental impacts, and it cannot be decoupled at a scale and speed necessary (i.e. using technology) to avoid dangerous climate change and other environmental crises – especially biodiversity loss, which possibly poses an even starker challenge than climate change, yet remains largely under-discussed in Economics (EEA 2019 , 2021 ; Haberl et al. 2020 ; Wiedenhofer et al. 2020 ; Wiedmann et al. 2020 ). The global material footprint has increased in line with GDP and GHG emissions (as shown on Fig.  1 ), while there have been efficiency gains in GHG emissions. Rising energy expenditures (since globally the most easily accessible sources of energy and materials have been used up) as well as rebound effects make continued economic growth an unsustainable goal for societies, while technological progress is unlikely to offer solace due to the life-cycle energy and materials intensity of technology, as well as its impacts of biodiversity loss (Ayres and Warr 2009 ; Rammelt and Crisp 2014 ; Parrique et al. 2019 ). Despite different country-based accounting methods showing a decoupling of economic growth from environmental impacts (CO2 emissions, but not biodiversity loss) or materials use, the idea of the environmental Kuznet’s curve has been widely critiqued. Instead of maturing out of emissions and materials use, countries in the Global North have rather shifted (CO2) emissions to the Global South, while holding on to the profits – leading to a strong “recoupling” of growth and emissions in the Global South, and decoupling in specific Global North countries – an accountancy trick (Roberts and Parks 2009 ; Dorninger et al. 2021 ).

Relative change in main global economic and environmental indicators from 1970 to 2018. Source: (EEA 2021 )

A strong set of indicators of the effect of the economy on the environment would not leave legal cracks for such accountancy tricks. As we explained, sub-goal 8.1 is an inadequate strategy for poverty alleviation and welfare and also not in line with avoiding dangerous climate change, while sub-goal 8.2 is short-sighted when it comes to technological solutions (Hickel 2019a ). Sub-goal 8.4 can be considered part of a “poorly conceptualised fantasy” that “functions to obfuscate fundamental tensions” between economic expansion and environmental limits, and out of touch with the need to stay within the Earth’s carrying capacity, or indeed on the effects of technology on biodiversity (Schandl et al. 2016 ; Fletcher and Rammelt 2017 , p. 450; Keyßer and Lenzen 2021 ). We suggest that it would be necessary to measure the environmental effects of the economy, including indicators for material and energy use, biodiversity loss, footprints, and intensities to indicate the reduction in material throughputs. This includes measures of the direct material and energy inputs in absolute terms, but also shares of renewable energies (O’Neill 2012 ). Since material and energy use is highly concentrated on selected sectors, indicators that capture the most material and energy intensive sectors are important, as for instance the domestic value added of the globally ten most polluting sectors, as a share of total domestic value added. To avoid accountancy tricks, and to measure ecologically unequal exchange, we suggest that new SDG 8 indicators should also reflect on the harm caused abroad by domestic final consumption. This harm is embedded in intermediate goods and services imports. It is further embedded in hidden non-imported flows of materials generated in the exporting countries to support production, impacting their environment and population. Footprint indicators calculating material and energy use in final consumption would need to be extended in two ways to adequately measure economy-environment interactions and whether societies are moving towards a more sustainable and equitable path, in line with strong sustainability. Firstly, separate indicators should be calculated on the material and energy footprint of intermediate goods by sector and industries, to identify industries that are particularly harmful; secondly, material and energy indicators for the exported goods themselves would need to be considered, since export-led economic growth should not be based on material and energy intensive sectors. Furthermore, we suggest that more complex indicators should reflect on secondary and tertiary effects of consumer goods exported to other countries (i.e. full life-cycle emissions of cars produced and exported).

4.1.3 Economic Growth as an institution and ideology

“In the EU, as elsewhere, we must dislodge growth from our institutions, as well as from our imaginaries and engage in a ‘well-being transition’. The need for and desirability of this has never been so strong, nor has our ability to achieve it.” (Laurent 2021 , p. 34)

Economic growth is an institution and tied to other institutions, rules, and norms in society, which make it harder to challenge. Societal institutions based on growth, requiring growth, or boosting growth are omnipresent, including full-time work (through the productivity trap), the welfare state, social services, and taxation, amongst others. Economic growth and paid labour are currently connected drivers of environmental crises (Victor 2008 ; Jackson 2009 ; Jackson and Victor 2011 ; Kallis et al. 2012 ; Bohnenberger and Fritz 2021 ). While researchers are already contending with the difficult issue of the operationalisation of a welfare state in a non-growing economy (Bohnenberger and Fritz 2021 ; Laurent 2021 ), a common argument for economic growth, as an institution, remains unemployment, Footnote 2 which according to ‘Okuns Law’ would sky rocket. In reality, unemployment depends on institutional arrangements and thus varies between countries (Antal 2014 ). There is evidence that certain institutions (e.g., unemployment benefits, social partnership, working time reduction, and state employment or jobs guarantee) weaken the relation between employment and economic growth (Jackson and Victor 2011 ; Knight et al. 2013 ; Stocker et al. 2014 ; Bohnenberger and Fritz 2021 ). As explained, economic growth has been used as a justification to ignore inequality – therefore the answer to remaining within the Earth’s carrying capacity and providing human welfare must focus on distributional issues (Hickel 2019b ; Wiedmann et al. 2020 ). There are enough material and energy resources available for everyone to live well – if these are not hoarded by a few (Brand-Correa and Steinberger 2017 ).

GDP growth can also be considered an ideology due to the primacy given to economic growth and its normalisation as “commonsense” despite evidence of environmental limits to increases in economic production (Ferguson 2018 ; Barry 2020 ). Economic growth became a central element of both liberal and socialist theoretical movements in the industrial era with the market economy and the planned economy sharing the same growth ideology. This worked to strengthening the place of “growthism” and societal (over)consumption as valid societal goals, despite signs of environmental pressures due to economic expansion (Takis 2005 ; Ferguson 2018 ). While it is politically difficult to challenge the ideology of growth, to achieve the goals of Agenda 2030, the environmental and social pressures of further economic growth cannot be ignored.

The amalgamation of economic growth and work in the framework of SDG 8, especially under sub-goal 8.2, 8.3, and 8.9 show how societal institutions and welfare have been coupled to the institution of economic growth, while the ideology of economic growth is especially visible in sub-goal 8.1 (Salleh 2016 ; Lim et al. 2018 ; Reichel and Perey 2018 ). We suggest that for an improved SDG 8, a set of indicators would be needed to measure the dependence of the society on economic growth for employment rates (although, as explained in the chapter that follows, this would include working time reduction). A first simple indicator could be based on the correlation between economic growth and unemployment rates in the last ten years. A next set of indicators could measure individual and societal dependence on economic growth, to show, if the respective country is able to degrow the economy in line with sustainability requirements without loss of wellbeing, social instability, or harmful economic disruptions. To the best of the knowledge of the authors, contributions on indicators that measure societal dependence on economic growth are so far missing.

The societal, state-level or institutional dependence economic growth should also be measured: this includes state institutions, inequality and employment. The dependence of state institution on economic growth relates to the ability of state to repay debts independent of economic growth and their ability to finance social provisioning, including health and care services. An indicator could be the share of social provisioning to GDP ratios. This would be distinctive from overall state expenditure to GDP. Given the substantial amount of biophysically harmful subsidies that are currently part of state expenditure, this is substantially lower than current indicators of state expenditure. Further, the dependence of the pension system on economic growth should be considered, by for instance an index for measuring financial sustainability, given current demographic composition. It has been established in the degrowth literature, that high levels of inequality (measured in income, wealth, well-being and political rights) create a dependency on economic growth as a way to avoid redistribution for improving welfare outcomes (Kallis et al. 2012 ; Hickel 2019b ). Inequality is a driver of economic growth as it drives individual consumption to keep up with higher income groups (Oh et al. 2012 ). This indicates that high levels of inequality foster economic growth. Thus, measures of inequality could be used as indicators of the dependence on economic growth, as the Gini or 10-to-90 ratio of subjective and objectives measures of well-being. Another set of indicators should measure the extent to which the economy is unsustainably dependent on economic growth – the extent to which firms need to grow to have and control a larger market share, and survive competition (Lavoie 2014 ). Again, a first proxy could be based on the correlation between bankruptcies and growth. First, on the firm level, we can measure the correlation between firm growth (in terms of workers or turnover) and bankruptcies, using similar indicators on the economy level. More complex models could further improve our understanding of the dependence of the economy on economic growth.

It would also be necessary to measure the dependence of households and individuals on economic growth. This includes subjective and objective well-being dependence on economic growth, measured with the correlation of household income and well-being indicators. A low correlation would indicate a low dependence on economic growth, since additional income would not improve the well-being of individuals; again, this should be calculated for different social groups and the 10th wellbeing percentile for wealth/income. Furthermore, the share of income spent on basic goods and services by different social groups, including the above-mentioned 10th wellbeing percentile group, could give relevant insights on the dependence of low-income groups on economic growth.

4.2 The problems with SDG 8 – “(Decent?) Work”

Much like economic growth, paid work in the growth society not only represents a “phenomenon” (as an activity), but also an “institution”, and an “ideology” – with effects on welfare and the environment. Social scientists have long established that we are living in a work-centred society, where daily lives depend on employment, independently of the value it contributes to societal or individual welfare, or indeed its environmental impacts (Weeks 2011 ; Komlosy 2018 ).

4.2.1 Work as a phenomenon – its effects on welfare

As a phenomenon, the welfare effects of paid work are contradictory. In a work society, ideally, everyone gets a little, but not too much – however paid work is also not essential to welfare in other forms of societal organising of provisioning. Material wellbeing in productive economies and societies is tied to paid employment, through which members of society can afford the necessities of life. Paid employment in a work society also provides latent positive psychosocial functions including identity, variety, social contact and community, shared goals, and routine (Jahoda 1981 , 1982 ; Paul and Moser 2006 ; Catalano et al. 2011 ). Employment is thus currently important for public health and social welfare concerns due to the negative effects of unemployment, and in this light SDG 8.3 can be considered somewhat positive. Nevertheless, 8 h a week is optimal for receiving the wellbeing effects of work (Kamerāde et al. 2019 ). The negative social welfare effects (as separate from the environmental effects, discussed below) of overemployment are manifold – including health problems (physical or mental, even death in dangerous occupations), the effect of sedentary lifestyles, isolation, and stress, as well as separation from and little time with family or friends (Jacobs and Gerson 2001 ; Cho et al. 2018 ; Tsutsumi 2019 ). Meaningless work, or so called “bullshit jobs” which do not add to societal welfare and have little value (according to the employees in these jobs), also have a negative effect on wellbeing (Graeber 2018 ). A simple focus on paid and productive labour as promoting welfare also hides the fact that productive labour relies on socially and environmentally reproductive labour, the often unpaid work of keeping society going, mostly undertaken by women (Power 2004 ; Biesecker and Hofmeister 2010 ; Ariel Salleh 2017 ). Neither socially-environmentally reproductive labour, nor the welfare effects of work are currently discussed as part of the sub-goals of SDG 8 focusing on work.

4.2.2 Work as a phenomenon – its effects on the environment

The ecological effects of paid employment, as a phenomenon, have historically been damaging. Average working hours in the US between 2007–2013 as an example had a strong positive relationship to carbon emissions (Fitzgerald et al. 2018 ) and similar effects can be seen in other studies on Germany and Italy with regard to energy use per hour worked (Fischer-Kowalski and Haberl 1998 ; Fischer-Kowalski and Haas 2016 ). In particular, work in industry and manufacturing requires high levels energy per hour worked (Hardt et al. 2020 ), implying a high energy footprint compared to most leisure activities. Much production and work is currently environmentally damaging, and not oriented towards providing activities that promote human or environmental welfare – but the creation of products for profit (Gerold et al. 2019 ). This suggests that a reduction in the quantity of paid or “productive” employment is necessary to stay within the planetary boundaries, as well as qualitative change in work itself – towards societally and environmentally necessary work (Knight and Schor 2014 ; Hoffmann and Paulsen 2020 ). There is an urgent need to limit the work of certain sectors: i.e. mining, fracking, deforestation, aviation, shipping and animal agriculture – while there is a need for more “work” in rewilding, nature restoration, autonomous and solidarity activities, and so on (Salleh 2016 ). Labour-intensive services such as the care sector are also in need of more work, for their – compared to other industries – low level of energy use (Hardt et al. 2020 ), and CO2 intensity. Nevertheless, also these sectors need to drastically reduce the CO2 emissions in absolute terms. Footnote 3 This includes for instance social services like care, health services and social work, where productivity increases are only possible at a cost to the quality of provisioning, and not based on higher energy use, as in productive industries producing goods. However, overall working hours likely need to be reduced drastically to achieve the Paris 1.5° C goal, given estimates that use current CO2 intensities of production (Frey 2019 ). The failure of the current sub-goals of SDG 8 to distinguish between sectoral-effects of employment puts them at odds with social and environmental outcomes.

Recent estimates have shown that factor substitution between capital and labour is very low (Gechert et al. 2021 ). Therefore, working time reduction would likely reduce the amount of employed capital (itself energy and materials intensive) as the two factors are best understood as complements. Considering the possible need to limit productive employment in line with limiting the effects of production on the environment suggests that work must be shared out more equally between members of society to avoid overwork and underemployment (Schor 2008 ; Knight et al. 2013 ). Crucially, however, the institutional context is important. Since inequality, and overconsumption by affluent members of society is a concern, working time reduction could act as a demand-side mitigation strategy if combined with a reduction in income and consumption for the affluent (Knight et al. 2013 ; Gerold and Nocker 2018 ). Work, as a phenomenon, is ecologically harmful also due to its relation to consumption, not just production, as paid employment in the growth society leads to the work-and-spend cycle, with overconsumption, compensatory consumption, and conspicuous consumption of positional goods due to overwork (Schor 2008 ; Oh et al. 2012 ; Hoffmann and Paulsen 2020 ). Depending on the form of working time reduction, consumption rebounds can also be large i.e. if annual work-hours decreases are used for highly carbon-intensive leisure activities such as air travel, or if working time reduction for example triggers changes in emissions related to production processes. This highlights the importance of the embeddedness of working time reduction policies in a wider sustainability-focused policy framework of reducing inequality and overconsumption (Fremstad et al. 2019 ; Antal et al. 2020 ). Complementary policies to working time reduction, such as minimum and maximum income corridors would then be necessary to make sure that those in the lower income scale could meet their material needs while limiting overconsumption by the affluent, to stay within planetary boundaries (Fuchs 2019 ).

Currently, neither the welfare effects of work nor the necessity of reducing working hours to limit the environmental effects of production are discussed in SDG 8. Sub-goals 8.3, 8.5 and 8.10. cut off “the very feet [development] stands on”, as many communities provide sustainable wellbeing for members outside commodification through commoning, community agriculture, and other means of social provisioning in line with environmental barriers and community goals (Salleh 2016 , p. 954). Therefore, a focus on measuring welfare through meeting material needs could be more fruitful than paid employment.

The decency of work should entail the social value and environmental harm of the good produced in a certain economy. A core question would be, if the respective work contributes to achieving the SDGs at large. Graeber ( 2018 ) points out that the social value of work can also be evaluated by workers themselves. Work-place wellbeing and the perceived ability to co-determine work-arrangements and the products of work should be considered. Policies such as a voluntary jobs guarantee, working time reduction and work sharing, universal basic services, or even income, would help provide decent lives while reducing the pressure to accept indecent (including environmentally harmful) employment. Again, in addition to national averages, indicators by gender, age, ethnicity, and at the 10th wellbeing percentile would be important in measuring the sustainability and decency of work. Another aspect of the decency of work are working hours and their respective distribution. Hence, Gini hours in paid work and share of labour force in paid work of more than 30 h a week could provide important insights in line with sustainability and welfare requirements (von Jorck et al. 2019 ). For an improved SDG 8, a set of indicators should reflect the dependence of states and individuals on indecent and unsustainable work (Hoffmann and Paulsen 2020 ; Hardt et al. 2020 ). Such indicators relate to literature in the field of welfare-state research, including the level of decommodification, the right-not-to-work and share of population with access to social security. The latter could also be relevant relative to the share of the working population, in order to measure the dependence on work to access social security. High unemployment rates also indicate a high dependence on work. Again, an index of institutions that reduce unemployment and employment could be relevant, including universal basic services or income, a voluntary jobs guarantee, or work-sharing/working time reduction.

Currently SDG 8 covers the decency of work in sub-goals 8.7 (anti-slavery) and 8.8 (labour standards). However, sub-goal 8.8 does not discuss which types of work are societally needed if work needs to be limited due to its environmental and societal impacts – as Bohnenberger also explains in this special issue. Furthermore, the sub-goals do not reflect a goal, but much more the status quo in wealthier Global North countries, which have stronger historic labour institutions in better bargaining positions for basic human, and health and safety rights, or payment. Impacts on other economies and societies need to be considered in order to achieve wellbeing, economic degrowth, and sustainable work. Gómez-Paredes et al. ( 2015 ) propose a labour footprint that calculates for instance forced, indecent, harmful, and child labour embedded in imported goods and services. For a new and improved SDG 8, a measure of decent work would not only entail social harm caused in other places related in imported goods, but also impacts on other countries for exports of socially harmful goods or services, for instance the share of exports of weapons and fossil fuels.

4.2.3 Work as an institution and ideology

Paid work is both an institution as well as tied to other institutions – especially in growth economies. We have already discussed the relationship between economic growth and work as institutions. The narrow dependence on paid employment as the road to societal services i.e. healthcare, education, housing, effectively make work an institution of societal control (Weeks 2011 ; Frayne 2015 , 2016 ). This reflects a societal shift from welfare to workfare, and has serious consequences for staying within planetary limits while providing societal welfare, due to the escalatory logic of the growth system (Hoffmann and Paulsen 2020 ). “Decent” work in the form of paid labour is not available to everyone (Scherrer 2018 ), and this type of “development” through labour market integration is unlikely to lead to long-term sustainable welfare (Hoffmann and Paulsen 2020 ). Rather, the focus should therefore be on providing material welfare – whether inside or outside formal employment. As the UNDP ( 2015 ) points out, work not only needs to be decent, but also environmentally unharmful, to be sustainable. Globally, the number of un-, under- and precariously employed people is increasing, while social rules are globally institutionalising inclusion through the formal labour market only (Hoffmann and Paulsen 2020 ; Scherrer 2018 ). However, when access to services is institutionalised on the basis of formal employment, this implies that those without access to work are excluded from basic services (Hoffmann and Paulsen 2020 ; Gerold et al. 2019 ). This highlights the contradictory position of work as an institution of social control (Weeks 2011 ). In the Global North (i.e. Austria) currently welfare state access for migrants for example is limited via a restricted access to the labour market (Hoffmann and Paulsen 2020 ).

The SDGs not only tie the institutions of economic growth to the institution of work, but also “praise” and promote paid work, as the only solution to poverty and sustainability – this is because paid work can also be considered an ideology. Komlosy ( 2018 ) divides discourses around work into either (1) “praising work”, (2) “overcoming work”, or (3) “transforming work”. Staying within planetary boundaries while providing societal welfare requires that we reconsider both economic growth as a goal, as well as work, which is “assumed as a natural feature of society and as an end in itself” (Hoffmann and Paulsen 2020 , p. 344). Employment and work ethic are inherently related to attitudes towards social and environmental issues. Questioning the ideology of work allows us to review work which legitimises morally questionable or unsustainable activities, as jobs have been historically used as an excuse to destroy the environment (Räthzel and Uzzell 2011 ; Hoffmann and Paulsen 2020 ). Questioning the work ideology allows us to review ideas of autonomy and agency in decision making, when it comes to work – wage-labour exceptionalism during the Corona crisis showed the prevalence of work over autonomous time and the problems with the ideology of work. Currently, there is little or no co-determinism of what is produced, why, and for whom (Gorz 1985 ).

“Praising work” is a fundamental part of the ideology of work in the growth society, and reflected in SDG 8. Both the sub-goals that relate to youth unemployment (8.6, 8.b), as well as those pertaining to productive fulltime work (8.3, 8.5, 8.9) implicitly praise work and productivism, as an ideology – i.e. independent of the effects of work on society (welfare) or the environment (ecological sustainability). Sub-goals 8.3, 8.5, and 8.6 underwrite the institution of work without considering the escalatory effects of aiming to provide societal welfare through paid labour only. Sub-goal 8.7, which aims to end forced and child labour is the only relevant target which counters the implicit morality of work as an institution, and challenges the primacy of work in its relation to other institutions. We suggest that in order to measure the social effects of work, a set of indicators should reflect the demand for participation and autonomy. Indicators with regard to participation could be based on an extensive notion of democracy, which goes beyond representative democracy to economic democracy. This could include the share of cooperatively organised firms and companies and the ability to decide on production processes in a certain country. Secondly, time-autonomy could be used to measure daily available time that is not occupied by paid or unpaid work and care activities. Again, the indicators should be calculated for different social groups. In particular, discretionary time is likely to be limited for women, relative to men, due to current societal inequalities in unpaid work and care. As an already existing indicator, “Time wealth” is a useful index that goes beyond measuring paid/unpaid time to include five dimensions of time quality relevant for discussing sustainable work: tempo (speed), plannability, time synchronisation, time sovereignty, and free time (von Jorck et al. 2019 ).

4.3 Sustainable work and economic degrowth—a new set of indicators for SDG 8

In the following, we bring together all of the analysis of the previous chapters to provide a preliminary new SDG 8 indicator framework to measure progress towards degrowth and sustainable work – for welfare within Earth’s carrying capacity. Building on an understanding that indicators must be open to value pluralism, it is the objective of the authors here to provide a starting point for a broader democratic debate on which indicators should be included as part of SDG 8. We base our indicator framework in Table 1 , on the methodology presented in Sect.  3 , and the preceding discussion in Sect.  4 . We highlight already existing robust indicators or indices in literature, and propose novel indicators for measuring further aspects of societal welfare, which do not yet exist. Given the exploratory nature of the study, the proposed indicators vary in their elaboration and local applicability. Some of them aim to identify a causality (e.g. of economic growth on unemployment). Identifying all possible causal mechanisms is beyond this exploratory article and there is a strong need for additional research in collaboration with experts in the respective fields.

Further, it is noteworthy that the focus on economic degrowth requires a focus at the lower end of the respective distribution, as the measures do not focus on increasing the well-being of the average of a certain population, but rather aim to ensure that all citizens meet their basic needs. Hence, all indicators focus on the 10th income/wealth percentile of the respective distribution, and not the average.

Sub-goal 1), Wellbeing , focuses on providing sustainable welfare in line with the Earth’s carrying capacity, as well as the welfare of ecosystems and non-human animals, including the temporal element of welfare – whether societies are headed for collapse. We suggest that the Happy Planet Index is an existing and easily operationalisable aggregate measure of subjective welfare, while the human needs within planetary boundaries approach of the “Safe and just framework” provides a robust existing dashboard of indices of material welfare as an objective measure. In addition to considering the effects of the economy on non-human living beings and wilderness (Aplet et al. 2000 ), we suggest that measures of wellbeing should additionally consider the possibilities of future generations to meet their material and welfare needs, as the outcome of current production and economic processes. This new indicator should be based on robust and internationally agreed modelling of future scenarios by the IPCC (i.e. IPCC 2021 ), but to the best knowledge of the authors does not yet exist. Despite possible problems with such an operationalisation (not limited to the critique that scenario analyses tend towards optimism as the norm (Keary 2016 ; van Zeist et al. 2020 )), a similar measure would be needed to provide a coherent overview of the extent to which current material welfare is “stolen” from future generations.

Sub-goal 2) Participation , focuses on autonomy and agency – in the economy and at work. Measures of the overall quality of democracy are useful since democratic quality is related to income inequality (Kotschy and Sunde 2021 ). However, we suggest that measures of democracy should go beyond representative democracy to economic democracy. A proxy of economic democracy could be the share of collectively run firms, as the measure of the agency of workers, which should be an easily operationalisable. Secondly, time-autonomy could be used to measure daily available time that is not occupied by paid or unpaid work and care activities. The indicators should be calculated for different social groups, since discretionary time likely varies between women and men, due to continued inequalities in who undertakes unpaid work, as explained above. Research on time-use statistics is well established through the “International Classification of Activities for Time-Use Statistics (ICATUS)”, including “discretionary time” (Bediako and Vanek 1998 ; Goodin et al. 2008 ). As explained previously, we consider the new measure for “time wealth” or “time prosperity” to be a useful indicator since it goes beyond measuring paid/unpaid time, and includes five dimensions of time quality relevant for discussing sustainable work: tempo (speed), plannability, time synchronisation, time sovereignty, and free time (von Jorck et al. 2019 ). This extended measure thus helps in moving away from the ideology of growth and work, in framing time as well as (self-reported) autonomy over time as a valuable resource, rather than consumption.

Dependence on economic growth , sub-goal 3), includes novel indicators to measure the extent to which households, state/societies, and economic stability is dependent on economic growth. The aim is to measure the extent to which wellbeing and social cohesion is achieved sustainably, and if the respective country is able to degrow the economy without wellbeing loss, social instabilities, or harmful economic disruptions, to stay within planetary boundaries. To the best of the knowledge of the authors, such measurements are currently missing. Therefore, we provide a preliminary attempt to suggest indicators which could measure this, through the correlation of subjective and objective wellbeing, as well as state institutions and economic stability with GDP growth. We suggest that the first measures should be calculated for different income groups, including the lowest 10th percentile income group. Since the institutions of the welfare state and employment are currently dependent on economic growth, particular focus is put on measuring the extent to which welfare institutions (thanks to policies such as working time reduction, universal basic services, and jobs guarantee) are moving away from the dependence on economic growth. As a starting point, we suggest novel measurements such as the index of prevalent institutions that weaken the dependence on employment.

Sub-goal 4) builds on existing indicators to measure the Material and energy use, footprint and intensities of the economy. This includes measures of the direct material and energy inputs in absolute terms, but also shares of renewable energies (O’Neill 2012 ). We suggest that since material, energy use is highly concentrated on selected sectors, a good starting point are indicators that capture the most material/energy intensive sectors – i.e. the domestic value added of the globally ten most polluting sectors as a share of total domestic value added.

Sub-goal 5) builds on current SDG sub-goal 8.8 to measure the Decency of work. The decency of work should entail the social value and environmental harm of the good produced in a certain economy, including subjective measures of workers’ own evaluation of the social/environmental value of their work (Graeber 2018 ; Dur and Lent 2019 ), as well as the level of working hours. In addition to national averages, indicators by gender, age, ethnicity, and at the 10th wellbeing percentile per income are important. Gini hours in paid work and share of labour force in paid work of more than 30 h a week can furthermore provide important insights on the decency of work (von Jorck et al. 2019 ).

Sub-goal 6) measures the Material and energy intensity of work , which provides the counterpoint to sub-goal 5), the social intensity of work, so to speak. Indicators for this sub-goal should include the impact of intermediary goods and services used in work, energy and material inputs to the work process, as well as the contribution of the products to the achievement of the other SDGs. Indicators should measure the share of jobs in sectors that are globally among the most energy or material intensive. In addition, the material or energy intensity, use or footprint per job or per working-hour could give further insights on the achievement of sustainable work.

Sub goal 7) focuses on the societal, state and individual Dependence on indecent and unsustainable work . Since work is biophysically intense, the overall amount of work should be reduced – this makes the measurement of societal dependence on unsustainable work important. Indicators in this sub-goal relate to the level of decommodification in society. We suggest that an aggregated right-not-to-work index could measure the extent to which social services promote the ideology of work i.e. through restrictions on receiving benefits outside paid labour, including the share of the population without employment that has access to social security. An index of the prevalence of institutions that weaken the dependence on employment could furthermore provide insights into whether and to what extent societies are reliant on the institutions of paid work for meeting welfare goals.

Finally, sub-goal 8) expands on previous research to measure the level of International harm on economy and society . This harm is embedded in intermediate goods and services imports. It is further embedded in hidden non-imported flows of materials generated in the exporting countries to support production and impacting their environment and population. We suggest that footprint indicators for calculating material and energy use in final consumption should be extended in two ways: measuring intermediate goods by sector and industries (to identify particularly harmful industries), as well as measuring material and energy indicators for the exported goods themselves. Furthermore, as explained above, we suggest that more complex indicators would be needed to reflect on the secondary and tertiary effects of the consumer goods exported to other countries – i.e. as the life-course emissions of airplanes or cars.

These 8 new sub-goals are intended as the starting point for further discussions on necessary indicators to measure societal progress towards the goals of Agenda 2030.

5 Conclusion

This article has discussed the problems of SDG 8, based on the scientific evidence on avoiding environmental disasters, including research on strong sustainability – degrowth and sustainable work. Both branches of literature indicate that SDG 8 undermines social foundations and biophysical boundaries, and thus inhibits society's ability to achieve the other SDGs and avoid catastrophic environmental crises. SDG 8 currently forms a part of a discourse of climate delay, as the inclusion of economic growth and the focus on increasing employment both lead to unsustainable and unjust outcomes. Currently, only sub-goal 8.4 (with the focus on resource use), 8.7 and 8.8 (with their foci on the decency of work) are adequate in meeting the overall aims of the SDGs and Agenda 2030 – ending poverty, providing wellbeing and protecting the planet. In this paper, we have proposed a reformulated SDG 8 framework, including new sub goals and a new indicator framework, which together aim to contribute to aligning SDG 8 with the overall goals of Agenda 2030.

We are aware that the current formulation of the SDGs happened in a process of complex global discussions and compromise between many actors. Indeed, SDG 8 was the subject of fierce debate between different interests from the start (Demaria 2018 ). We understand that the new SDG 8 indicator framework is unlikely to be adopted in its entirety anytime soon, but consider this paper a contribution to advancing climate action and democratic debate in different local, national and global political processes in the future. A detailed elaboration, formulation and conceptualization of the indicators are beyond this paper. An analysis on how to use this indicator for political processes for change, is unfortunately also out of the scope of this paper, although further research in this field is urgently needed. The reformulated “Sustainable Work and Economic Degrowth” framework for SDG 8, based on strong sustainability and the latest scientific evidence on the environmental crises, should nevertheless be helpful for all policy makers, researchers, and civil society actors who are serious about challenging the twin crises of poverty and climate disaster.

Since this is the first paper that explicitly develops indicators for Degrowth, the causal network and respective indicators are not fully developed and entail rather a starting point for more elaborate mapping of the networks and identification of causalities in collaboration with experts in the respective field.

One common mistake in that regard is that it is assumed that a lack of unemployment is an outcome of a lack of available jobs. Unemployment is currently measured in terms of people looking for work. However, unemployment can also be reduced by ensuring a good life without employment, or with other policies (work time reduction, jobs guarantee, job sharing, basic services and even income) which allow for a dignified life outside work, or reduce the pressures of the duty to work. This would alleviate the environmental costs of employment and the social costs of unemployment.

A new empirical study by Hofmann and Spash (2019) shows that current levels of GHG emissions in Austria are beyond sustainable levels in all sectors – even in the service sector – considering full life-cycle emissions. This suggests that large-scale transformation is required in the area of work to stay within planetary limits.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the two anonymous reviewers and the Editor of this Special Issue, as well as Louison Cahen-Fourot, Katharina Bohnenberger, Stefanie Gerold, Maja Hoffmann, Jarmo Kikstra, Joel Foramitti, and their colleagues at the Ecological Economics Institute for helpful feedback during the writing process.

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Kreinin, H., Aigner, E. From “Decent work and economic growth” to “Sustainable work and economic degrowth”: a new framework for SDG 8. Empirica 49 , 281–311 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10663-021-09526-5

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THE SDGS IN ACTION.

What are the sustainable development goals.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

The 17 SDGs are integrated—they recognize that action in one area will affect outcomes in others, and that development must balance social, economic and environmental sustainability.

Countries have committed to prioritize progress for those who're furthest behind. The SDGs are designed to end poverty, hunger, AIDS, and discrimination against women and girls.

The creativity, knowhow, technology and financial resources from all of society is necessary to achieve the SDGs in every context.

Eradicating poverty in all its forms remains one of the greatest challenges facing humanity. While the number of people living in extreme poverty dropped by more than half between 1990 and 2015, too many are still struggling for the most basic human needs.

As of 2015, about 736 million people still lived on less than US$1.90 a day; many lack food, clean drinking water and sanitation. Rapid growth in countries such as China and India has lifted millions out of poverty, but progress has been uneven. Women are more likely to be poor than men because they have less paid work, education, and own less property.

Progress has also been limited in other regions, such as South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, which account for 80 percent of those living in extreme poverty. New threats brought on by climate change, conflict and food insecurity, mean even more work is needed to bring people out of poverty.

The SDGs are a bold commitment to finish what we started, and end poverty in all forms and dimensions by 2030. This involves targeting the most vulnerable, increasing basic resources and services, and supporting communities affected by conflict and climate-related disasters.

736 million people still live in extreme poverty.

10 percent of the world’s population live in extreme poverty, down from 36 percent in 1990.

Some 1.3 billion people live in multidimensional poverty.

Half of all people living in poverty are under 18.

One person in every 10 is extremely poor.

Goal targets

• By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions
• Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable
• By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership and control over land and other forms of property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate new technology and financial services, including microfinance
• By 2030, build the resilience of the poor and those in vulnerable situations and reduce their exposure and vulnerability to climate-related extreme events and other economic, social and environmental shocks and disasters
• Ensure significant mobilization of resources from a variety of sources, including through enhanced development cooperation, in order to provide adequate and predictable means for developing countries, in particular least developed countries, to implement programmes and policies to end poverty in all its dimensions
• Create sound policy frameworks at the national, regional and international levels, based on pro-poor and gender-sensitive development strategies, to support accelerated investment in poverty eradication actions

SDGs in Action

Migrants and refugees making h...

Publications.

Multi-speed growth is back, wi...

Inspiring young people through...

Listening to young Pacific Isl...

A new lens on poverty: Why com...

South Sudan, the world’s young...

Zero hunger.

Zero Hunger

The number of undernourished people has dropped by almost half in the past two decades because of rapid economic growth and increased agricultural productivity. Many developing countries that used to suffer from famine and hunger can now meet their nutritional needs. Central and East Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean have all made huge progress in eradicating extreme hunger.

Unfortunately, extreme hunger and malnutrition remain a huge barrier to development in many countries. There are 821 million people estimated to be chronically undernourished as of 2017, often as a direct consequence of environmental degradation, drought and biodiversity loss. Over 90 million children under five are dangerously underweight. Undernourishment and severe food insecurity appear to be increasing in almost all regions of Africa, as well as in South America.

The SDGs aim to end all forms of hunger and malnutrition by 2030, making sure all people–especially children–have sufficient and nutritious food all year. This involves promoting sustainable agricultural, supporting small-scale farmers and equal access to land, technology and markets. It also requires international cooperation to ensure investment in infrastructure and technology to improve agricultural productivity.

The number of undernourished people reached 821 million in 2017.

In 2017 Asia accounted for nearly two thirds, 63 percent, of the world’s hungry.

Nearly 151 million children under five, 22 percent, were still stunted in 2017.

More than 1 in 8 adults is obese.

1 in 3 women of reproductive age is anemic.

26 percent of workers are employed in agriculture.

• By 2030, end all forms of malnutrition, including achieving, by 2025, the internationally agreed targets on stunting and wasting in children under 5 years of age, and address the nutritional needs of adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women and older persons
• By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists and fishers, including through secure and equal access to land, other productive resources and inputs, knowledge, financial services, markets and opportunities for value addition and non-farm employment
• By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality
• By 2020, maintain the genetic diversity of seeds, cultivated plants and farmed and domesticated animals and their related wild species, including through soundly managed and diversified seed and plant banks at the national, regional and international levels, and promote access to and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge, as internationally agreed
• Increase investment, including through enhanced international cooperation, in rural infrastructure, agricultural research and extension services, technology development and plant and livestock gene banks in order to enhance agricultural productive capacity in developing countries, in particular least developed countries
• Correct and prevent trade restrictions and distortions in world agricultural markets, including through the parallel elimination of all forms of agricultural export subsidies and all export measures with equivalent effect, in accordance with the mandate of the Doha Development Round
• Adopt measures to ensure the proper functioning of food commodity markets and their derivatives and facilitate timely access to market information, including on food reserves, in order to help limit extreme food price volatility.

Water unites communities

Can Myanmar bounce back?

Microfinancing powers small bu...

UNDP’s Engagement at Financing...

Mapping Essential Life Support...

Good health and well-being.

We have made great progress against several leading causes of death and disease. Life expectancy has increased dramatically; infant and maternal mortality rates have declined, we’ve turned the tide on HIV and malaria deaths have halved.

Good health is essential to sustainable development and the 2030 Agenda reflects the complexity and interconnectedness of the two. It takes into account widening economic and social inequalities, rapid urbanization, threats to the climate and the environment, the continuing burden of HIV and other infectious diseases, and emerging challenges such as noncommunicable diseases. Universal health coverage will be integral to achieving SDG 3, ending poverty and reducing inequalities. Emerging global health priorities not explicitly included in the SDGs, including antimicrobial resistance, also demand action.

But the world is off-track to achieve the health-related SDGs. Progress has been uneven, both between and within countries. There’s a 31-year gap between the countries with the shortest and longest life expectancies. And while some countries have made impressive gains, national averages hide that many are being left behind. Multisectoral, rights-based and gender-sensitive approaches are essential to address inequalities and to build good health for all.

At least 400 million people have no basic healthcare, and 40 percent lack social protection.

More than 1.6 billion people live in fragile settings where protracted crises, combined with weak national capacity to deliver basic health services, present a significant challenge to global health.

By the end of 2017, 21.7 million people living with HIV were receiving antiretroviral therapy. Yet more than 15 million people are still waiting for treatment.

Every 2 seconds someone aged 30 to 70 years dies prematurely from noncommunicable diseases - cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, diabetes or cancer.

7 million people die every year from exposure to fine particles in polluted air.

More than one of every three women have experienced either physical or sexual violence at some point in their life resulting in both short- and long-term consequences for their physical, mental, and sexual and reproductive health.

• By 2030, reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births
• By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age, with all countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births and under-5 mortality to at least as low as 25 per 1,000 live births
• By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases and other communicable diseases
• By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being
• Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol
• By 2020, halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents
• By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programmes
• Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all
• By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination
• Strengthen the implementation of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in all countries, as appropriate
• Support the research and development of vaccines and medicines for the communicable and noncommunicable diseases that primarily affect developing countries, provide access to affordable essential medicines and vaccines, in accordance with the Doha Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health, which affirms the right of developing countries to use to the full the provisions in the Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights regarding flexibilities to protect public health, and, in particular, provide access to medicines for all
• Substantially increase health financing and the recruitment, development, training and retention of the health workforce in developing countries, especially in least developed countries and small island developing States
• Strengthen the capacity of all countries, in particular developing countries, for early warning, risk reduction and management of national and global health risks

Achieving the 10-10-10 HIV tar...

The many facets of climate and...

Afghans need sustainable alter...

UNDP at the 25th International...

Quality education.

Since 2000, there has been enormous progress in achieving the target of universal primary education. The total enrollment rate in developing regions reached 91 percent in 2015, and the worldwide number of children out of school has dropped by almost half. There has also been a dramatic increase in literacy rates, and many more girls are in school than ever before. These are all remarkable successes.

Progress has also been tough in some developing regions due to high levels of poverty, armed conflicts and other emergencies. In Western Asia and North Africa, ongoing armed conflict has seen an increase in the number of children out of school. This is a worrying trend. While Sub-Saharan Africa made the greatest progress in primary school enrollment among all developing regions – from 52 percent in 1990, up to 78 percent in 2012 – large disparities still remain. Children from the poorest households are up to four times more likely to be out of school than those of the richest households. Disparities between rural and urban areas also remain high.

Achieving inclusive and quality education for all reaffirms the belief that education is one of the most powerful and proven vehicles for sustainable development. This goal ensures that all girls and boys complete free primary and secondary schooling by 2030. It also aims to provide equal access to affordable vocational training, to eliminate gender and wealth disparities, and achieve universal access to a quality higher education.

Enrollment in primary education in developing countries has reached 91 percent.

Still, 57 million primary-aged children remain out of school, more than half of them in sub-Saharan Africa.

In developing countries, one in four girls is not in school.

About half of all out-of-school children of primary school age live in conflict-affected areas.

103 million youth worldwide lack basic literacy skills, and more than 60 percent of them are women.

6 out of 10 children and adolescents are not achieving a minimum level of proficiency in reading and math.

• By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and Goal-4 effective learning outcomes
• By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care and preprimary education so that they are ready for primary education
• By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university
• By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship
• By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations
• By 2030, ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy
• By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development
• Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, nonviolent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all
• By 2020, substantially expand globally the number of scholarships available to developing countries, in particular least developed countries, small island developing States and African countries, for enrolment in higher education, including vocational training and information and communications technology, technical, engineering and scientific programmes, in developed countries and other developing countries
• By 2030, substantially increase the supply of qualified teachers, including through international cooperation for teacher training in developing countries, especially least developed countries and small island developing states

Building a more resilient educ...

Empowering Afghan women and gi...

How Do Investments in Human Ca...

Gender equality.

Gender Equality

Ending all discrimination against women and girls is not only a basic human right, it’s crucial for sustainable future; it’s proven that empowering women and girls helps economic growth and development.

UNDP has made gender equality central to its work and we’ve seen remarkable progress in the past 20 years. There are more girls in school now compared to 15 years ago, and most regions have reached gender parity in primary education.

But although there are more women than ever in the labour market, there are still large inequalities in some regions, with women systematically denied the same work rights as men. Sexual violence and exploitation, the unequal division of unpaid care and domestic work, and discrimination in public office all remain huge barriers. Climate change and disasters continue to have a disproportionate effect on women and children, as do conflict and migration.

It is vital to give women equal rights land and property, sexual and reproductive health, and to technology and the internet. Today there are more women in public office than ever before, but encouraging more women leaders will help achieve greater gender equality.

Women earn only 77 cents for every dollar that men get for the same work.

35 percent of women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence.

Women represent just 13 percent of agricultural landholders.

Almost 750 million women and girls alive today were married before their 18th birthday.

Two thirds of developing countries have achieved gender parity in primary education.

Only 24 percent of national parliamentarians were women as of November 2018, a small increase from 11.3 percent in 1995.

• End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere
• Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation
• Eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation
• Recognize and value unpaid care and domestic work through the provision of public services, infrastructure and social protection policies and the promotion of shared responsibility within the household and the family as nationally appropriate
• Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decisionmaking in political, economic and public life
• Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences
• Undertake reforms to give women equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to ownership and control over land and other forms of property, financial services, inheritance and natural resources, in accordance with national laws
• Enhance the use of enabling technology, in particular information and communications technology, to promote the empowerment of women
• Adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls at all levels

UNDP Gender Equality Strategy ...

The challenges of the Papua Ne...

Press releases.

UNDP applauds Namibian High Co...

Somalia’s Only All-Women Media...

Clean water and sanitation.

Water scarcity affects more than 40 percent of people, an alarming figure that is projected to rise as temperatures do. Although 2.1 billion people have improved water sanitation since 1990, dwindling drinking water supplies are affecting every continent.

More and more countries are experiencing water stress, and increasing drought and desertification is already worsening these trends. By 2050, it is projected that at least one in four people will suffer recurring water shortages.

Safe and affordable drinking water for all by 2030 requires we invest in adequate infrastructure, provide sanitation facilities, and encourage hygiene. Protecting and restoring water-related ecosystems is essential.

Ensuring universal safe and affordable drinking water involves reaching over 800 million people who lack basic services and improving accessibility and safety of services for over two billion.

In 2015, 4.5 billion people lacked safely managed sanitation services (with adequately disposed or treated excreta) and 2.3 billion lacked even basic sanitation.

71 percent of the global population, 5.2 billion people, had safely-managed drinking water in 2015, but 844 million people still lacked even basic drinking water.

39 percent of the global population, 2.9 billion people, had safe sanitation in 2015, but 2.3 billion people still lacked basic sanitation. 892 million people practiced open defecation.

80 percent of wastewater goes into waterways without adequate treatment.

Water stress affects more than 2 billion people, with this figure projected to increase.

80 percent of countries have laid the foundations for integrated water resources management.

The world has lost 70 percent of its natural wetlands over the last century.

• By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all
• By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations
• By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally
• By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity
• By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate
• By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes
• By 2030, expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water- and sanitation-related activities and programmes, including water harvesting, desalination, water efficiency, wastewater treatment, recycling and reuse technologies
• Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management

Restoring sacred land

Navigating the future of atoll...

(R)evolution

Affordable and clean energy.

Between 2000 and 2018, the number of people with electricity increased from 78 to 90 percent, and the numbers without electricity dipped to 789 million.

Yet as the population continues to grow, so will the demand for cheap energy, and an economy reliant on fossil fuels is creating drastic changes to our climate.

Investing in solar, wind and thermal power, improving energy productivity, and ensuring energy for all is vital if we are to achieve SDG 7 by 2030.

Expanding infrastructure and upgrading technology to provide clean and more efficient energy in all countries will encourage growth and help the environment.  

One out of 10 people still lacks electricity, and most live in rural areas of the developing world. More than half are in sub-Saharan Africa.

Energy is by far the main contributor to climate change. It accounts for 73 percent of human-caused greenhouse gases.

Energy efficiency is key; the right efficiency policies could enable the world to achieve more than 40 percent of the emissions cuts needed to reach its climate goals without new technology.

Almost a third of the world’s population—2.8 billion—rely on polluting and unhealthy fuels for cooking.

As of 2017, 17.5 percent of power was generated through renewable sources.

The renewable energy sector employed a record 11.5 million people in 2019. The changes needed in energy production and uses to achieve the Paris Agreement target of limiting the rise in temperature to below 2C can create 18 million jobs.

• By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services
• By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
• By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
• By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology, including renewable energy, energy efficiency and advanced and cleaner fossil-fuel technology, and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology
• By 2030, expand infrastructure and upgrade technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy services for all in developing countries, in particular least developed countries, small island developing States, and land-locked developing coun

Innovative Governance for Priv...

The big switch

Accelerating the Green Transit...

Targeted and Inclusive Approac...

Decent work and economic growth.

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.

An estimated 172 million people worldwide were without work in 2018 - an unemployment rate of 5 percent.

As a result of an expanding labour force, the number of unemployed is projected to increase by 1 million every year and reach 174 million by 2020.

Some 700 million workers lived in extreme or moderate poverty in 2018, with less than US$3.20 per day.

Women’s participation in the labour force stood at 48 per cent in 2018, compared with 75 percent for men. Around 3 in 5 of the 3.5 billion people in the labour force in 2018 were men.

Overall, 2 billion workers were in informal employment in 2016, accounting for 61 per cent of the world’s workforce.

Many more women than men are underutilized in the labour force—85 million compared to 55 million.

• 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
• Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labour-intensive sectors
• 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
• Improve progressively, through 2030, global resource efficiency in consumption and production and endeavour to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation, in accordance with the 10-year framework of programmes on sustainable consumption and production, with developed countries taking the lead
• 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
• By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training
• Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labour in all its forms
• Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment
• By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products
• Strengthen the capacity of domestic financial institutions to encourage and expand access to banking, insurance and financial services for all
• Increase Aid for Trade support for developing countries, in particular least developed countries, including through the Enhanced Integrated Framework for Trade-Related Technical Assistance to Least Developed Countries
• By 2020, develop and operationalize a global strategy for youth employment and implement the Global Jobs Pact of the International Labour Organization

AI Hub for Sustainable Develop...

“Life has its mysterious ways,...

Industry, innovation and infrastructure.

Investment in infrastructure and innovation are crucial drivers of economic growth and development. With over half the world population now living in cities, mass transport and renewable energy are becoming ever more important, as are the growth of new industries and information and communication technologies.

Technological progress is also key to finding lasting solutions to both economic and environmental challenges, such as providing new jobs and promoting energy efficiency. Promoting sustainable industries, and investing in scientific research and innovation, are all important ways to facilitate sustainable development.

More than 4 billion people still do not have access to the Internet, and 90 percent are from the developing world. Bridging this digital divide is crucial to ensure equal access to information and knowledge, as well as foster innovation and entrepreneurship.   

Worldwide, 2.3 billion people lack access to basic sanitation.

In some low-income African countries, infrastructure constraints cut businesses’ productivity by around 40 percent.

2.6 billion people in developing countries do not have access to constant electricity.

More than 4 billion people still do not have access to the Internet; 90 percent of them are in the developing world.

The renewable energy sectors currently employ more than 2.3 million people; the number could reach 20 million by 2030.

In developing countries, barely 30 percent of agricultural products undergo industrial processing, compared to 98 percent high-income countries.

• Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all
• Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product, in line with national circumstances, and double its share in least developed countries
• Increase the access of small-scale industrial and other enterprises, in particular in developing countries, to financial services, including affordable credit, and their integration into value chains and markets
• By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities
• Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending
• Facilitate sustainable and resilient infrastructure development in developing countries through enhanced financial, technological and technical support to African countries, least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing States 18
• Support domestic technology development, research and innovation in developing countries, including by ensuring a conducive policy environment for, inter alia, industrial diversification and value addition to commodities
• Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries by 2020

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Reduced inequalities.

Income inequality is on the rise—the richest 10 percent have up to 40 percent of global income whereas the poorest 10 percent earn only between 2 to 7 percent. If we take into account population growth inequality in developing countries, inequality has increased by 11 percent.

Income inequality has increased in nearly everywhere in recent decades, but at different speeds. It’s lowest in Europe and highest in the Middle East.

These widening disparities require sound policies to empower lower income earners, and promote economic inclusion of all regardless of sex, race or ethnicity.

Income inequality requires global solutions. This involves improving the regulation and monitoring of financial markets and institutions, encouraging development assistance and foreign direct investment to regions where the need is greatest. Facilitating the safe migration and mobility of people is also key to bridging the widening divide.

In 2016, 22 percent of global income was received by the top 1 percent compared with 10 percent of income for the bottom 50 percent.

In 1980, the top one percent had 16 percent of global income. The bottom 50 percent had 8 percent of income.

Economic inequality is largely driven by the unequal ownership of capital. Since 1980, very large transfers of public to private wealth occurred in nearly all countries. The global wealth share of the top 1 percent was 33 percent in 2016.

Under "business as usual", the top 1 percent global wealth will reach 39 percent by 2050.

Women spend, on average, twice as much time on unpaid housework as men.

Women have as much access to financial services as men in just 60 percent of the countries assessed and to land ownership in just 42 percent of the countries assessed.

• By 2030, progressively achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40 per cent of the population at a rate higher than the national average
• By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status
• Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard
• Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality
• Improve the regulation and monitoring of global financial markets and institutions and strengthen the implementation of such regulations
• Ensure enhanced representation and voice for developing countries in decision-making in global international economic and financial institutions in order to deliver more effective, credible, accountable and legitimate institutions
• Facilitate orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies
• Implement the principle of special and differential treatment for developing countries, in particular least developed countries, in accordance with World Trade Organization agreements
• Encourage official development assistance and financial flows, including foreign direct investment, to States where the need is greatest, in particular least developed countries, African countries, small island developing States and landlocked developing countries, in accordance with their national plans and programmes
• By 2030, reduce to less than 3 per cent the transaction costs of migrant remittances and eliminate remittance corridors with costs higher than 5 per cent

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Sustainable cities and communities.

More than half of us  live in cities. By 2050, two-thirds of all humanity—6.5 billion people—will be urban. Sustainable development cannot be achieved without significantly transforming the way we build and manage our urban spaces.

The rapid growth of cities—a result of rising populations and increasing migration—has led to a boom in mega-cities, especially in the developing world, and slums are becoming a more significant feature of urban life.

Making cities sustainable means creating career and business opportunities, safe and affordable housing, and building resilient societies and economies. It involves investment in public transport, creating green public spaces, and improving urban planning and management in participatory and inclusive ways.

In 2018, 4.2 billion people, 55 percent of the world’s population, lived in cities. By 2050, the urban population is expected to reach 6.5 billion.

Cities occupy just 3 percent of the Earth’s land but account for 60 to 80 percent of energy consumption and at least 70 percent of carbon emissions.

828 million people are estimated to live in slums, and the number is rising.

In 1990, there were 10 cities with 10 million people or more; by 2014, the number of mega-cities rose to 28, and was expected to reach 33 by 2018. In the future, 9 out of 10 mega-cities will be in the developing world.

In the coming decades, 90 percent of urban expansion will be in the developing world.

The economic role of cities is significant. They generate about 80 percent of the global GDP.

• By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums
• By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons
• By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries
• Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage
• By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected and substantially decrease the direct economic losses relative to global gross domestic product caused by disasters, including water-related disasters, with a focus on protecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations
• By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management
• By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities
• Support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning
• By 2020, substantially increase the number of cities and human settlements adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to climate change, resilience to disasters, and develop and implement, in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, holistic disaster risk management at all levels
• Support least developed countries, including through financial and technical assistance, in building sustainable and resilient buildings utilizing local materials

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Responsible consumption and production.

Achieving economic growth and sustainable development requires that we urgently reduce our ecological footprint by changing the way we produce and consume goods and resources. Agriculture is the biggest user of water worldwide, and irrigation now claims close to 70 percent of all freshwater for human use.

The efficient management of our shared natural resources, and the way we dispose of toxic waste and pollutants, are important targets to achieve this goal. Encouraging industries, businesses and consumers to recycle and reduce waste is equally important, as is supporting developing countries to move towards more sustainable patterns of consumption by 2030.

A large share of the world population is still consuming far too little to meet even their basic needs.  Halving the per capita of global food waste at the retailer and consumer levels is also important for creating more efficient production and supply chains. This can help with food security, and shift us towards a more resource efficient economy.

1.3 billion tonnes of food is wasted every year, while almost 2 billion people go hungry or undernourished.

The food sector accounts for around 22 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions, largely from the conversion of forests into farmland.

Globally, 2 billion people are overweight or obese.

Only 3 percent of the world’s water is fresh (drinkable), and humans are using it faster than nature can replenish it.

If people everywhere switched to energy efficient lightbulbs, the world would save US$120 billion annually.

One-fifth of the world’s final energy consumption in 2013 was from renewable sources.

• Implement the 10-year framework of programmes on sustainable consumption and production, all countries taking action, with developed countries taking the lead, taking into account the development and capabilities of developing countries
• By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
• By 2030, halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses
• By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment
• By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse
• Encourage companies, especially large and transnational companies, to adopt sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle
• Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities
• By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature
• Support developing countries to strengthen their scientific and technological capacity to move towards more sustainable patterns of consumption and production
• Develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products
• Rationalize inefficient fossil-fuel subsidies that encourage wasteful consumption by removing market distortions, in accordance with national circumstances, including by restructuring taxation and phasing out those harmful subsidies, where they exist, to reflect their environmental impacts, taking fully into account the specific needs and conditions of developing countries and minimizing the possible adverse impacts on their development in a manner that protects the poor and the affected communities

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Climate action.

There is no country that is not experiencing the drastic effects of climate change. Greenhouse gas emissions are more than 50 percent higher than in 1990. Global warming is causing long-lasting changes to our climate system, which threatens irreversible consequences if we do not act.

The annual average economic losses from climate-related disasters are in the hundreds of billions of dollars. This is not to mention the human impact of geo-physical disasters, which are 91 percent climate-related, and which between 1998 and 2017 killed 1.3 million people, and left 4.4 billion injured. The goal aims to mobilize US$100 billion annually by 2020 to address the needs of developing countries to both adapt to climate change and invest in low-carbon development.

Supporting vulnerable regions will directly contribute not only to Goal 13 but also to the other SDGs. These actions must also go hand in hand with efforts to integrate disaster risk measures, sustainable natural resource management, and human security into national development strategies. It is still possible, with strong political will, increased investment, and using existing technology, to limit the increase in global mean temperature to two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, aiming at 1.5 ° C, but this requires urgent and ambitious collective action.

As of 2017 humans are estimated to have caused approximately 1.0°C of global warming above pre-industrial levels.

Sea levels have risen by about 20 cm (8 inches) since 1880 and are projected to rise another 30–122 cm (1 to 4 feet) by 2100.

To limit warming to 1.5C, global net CO2 emissions must drop by 45% between 2010 and 2030, and reach net zero around 2050.

Climate pledges under The Paris Agreement cover only one third of the emissions reductions needed to keep the world below 2°C.

Bold climate action could trigger at least US$26 trillion in economic benefits by 2030.

The energy sector alone will create around 18 million more jobs by 2030, focused specifically on sustainable energy.

• Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries
• Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning
• Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning
• Implement the commitment undertaken by developed-country parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to a goal of mobilizing jointly $100 billion annually by 2020 from all sources to address the needs of developing countries in the context of meaningful mitigation actions and transparency on implementation and fully operationalize the Green Climate Fund through its capitalization as soon as possible
• Promote mechanisms for raising capacity for effective climate change-related planning and management in least developed countries and small island developing States, including focusing on women, youth and local and marginalized communities

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Life below water.

The world’s oceans – their temperature, chemistry, currents and life – drive global systems that make the Earth habitable for humankind. How we manage this vital resource is essential for humanity as a whole, and to counterbalance the effects of climate change.

Over three billion people depend on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihoods. However, today we are seeing 30 percent of the world’s fish stocks overexploited, reaching below the level at which they can produce sustainable yields.

Oceans also absorb about 30 percent of the carbon dioxide produced by humans, and we are seeing a 26 percent rise in ocean acidification since the beginning of the industrial revolution. Marine pollution, an overwhelming majority of which comes from land-based sources, is reaching alarming levels, with an average of 13,000 pieces of plastic litter to be found on every square kilometre of ocean.

The SDGs aim to sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems from pollution, as well as address the impacts of ocean acidification. Enhancing conservation and the sustainable use of ocean-based resources through international law will also help mitigate some of the challenges facing our oceans.

The ocean covers three quarters of the Earth’s surface and represents 99 percent of the living space on the planet by volume.

The ocean contains nearly 200,000 identified species, but actual numbers may lie in the millions.

As much as 40 percent of the ocean is heavily affected by pollution, depleted fisheries, loss of coastal habitats and other human activities.

The ocean absorbs about 30 percent of carbon dioxide produced by humans, buffering the impacts of global warming.

More than 3 billion people depend on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihoods.

The market value of marine and coastal resources and industries is estimated at US$3 trillion per year, about 5 percent of global GDP.

• By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution
• By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans
• Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels
• By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics
• By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information
• By 2020, prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies which contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and refrain from introducing new such subsidies, recognizing that appropriate and effective special and differential treatment for developing and least developed countries should be an integral part of the World Trade Organization fisheries subsidies negotiation
• By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism
• Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries
• Provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets
• Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law as reflected in UNCLOS, which provides the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources, as recalled in paragraph 158 of The Future We Want

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Life on land.

Human life depends on the earth as much as the ocean for our sustenance and livelihoods. Plant life provides 80 percent of the human diet, and we rely on agriculture as an important economic resources. Forests cover 30 percent of the Earth’s surface, provide vital habitats for millions of species, and important sources for clean air and water, as well as being crucial for combating climate change.

Every year, 13 million hectares of forests are lost, while the persistent degradation of drylands has led to the desertification of 3.6 billion hectares, disproportionately affecting poor communities.

While 15 percent of land is protected, biodiversity is still at risk. Nearly 7,000 species of animals and plants have been illegally traded. Wildlife trafficking not only erodes biodiversity, but creates insecurity, fuels conflict, and feeds corruption.

Urgent action must be taken to reduce the loss of natural habitats and biodiversity which are part of our common heritage and support global food and water security, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and peace and security.

Around 1.6 billion people depend on forests for their livelihoods.

Forests are home to more than 80 percent of all terrestrial species of animals, plants and insects.

2.6 billion people depend directly on agriculture for a living.

Nature-based climate solutions can contribute about a third of CO2 reductions by 2030.

The value of ecosystems to human livelihoods and well-being is $US125 trillion per year.v

Mountain regions provide 60-80 percent of the Earth's fresh water.

• By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements
• By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally
• By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world
• By 2030, ensure the conservation of mountain ecosystems, including their biodiversity, in order to enhance their capacity to provide benefits that are essential for sustainable development
• Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species
• Promote fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources and promote appropriate access to such resources, as internationally agreed
• Take urgent action to end poaching and trafficking of protected species of flora and fauna and address both demand and supply of illegal wildlife products
• By 2020, introduce measures to prevent the introduction and significantly reduce the impact of invasive alien species on land and water ecosystems and control or eradicate the priority species
• By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies and accounts
• Mobilize and significantly increase financial resources from all sources to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity and ecosystems
• Mobilize significant resources from all sources and at all levels to finance sustainable forest management and provide adequate incentives to developing countries to advance such management, including for conservation and reforestation
• Enhance global support for efforts to combat poaching and trafficking of protected species, including by increasing the capacity of local communities to pursue sustainable livelihood opportunities

Peace, justice and strong institutions

We cannot hope for sustainable development without peace, stability, human rights and effective governance, based on the rule of law. Yet our world is increasingly divided. Some regions enjoy peace, security and prosperity, while others fall into seemingly endless cycles of conflict and violence. This is not inevitable and must be addressed.

Armed violence and insecurity have a destructive impact on a country’s development, affecting economic growth, and often resulting in grievances that last for generations. Sexual violence, crime, exploitation and torture are also prevalent where there is conflict, or no rule of law, and countries must take measures to protect those who are most at risk

The SDGs aim to significantly reduce all forms of violence, and work with governments and communities to end conflict and insecurity. Promoting the rule of law and human rights are key to this process, as is reducing the flow of illicit arms and strengthening the participation of developing countries in the institutions of global governance.

By the end of 2017, 68.5 million people had been forcibly displaced as a result of persecution, conflict, violence or human rights violations.

There are at least 10 million stateless people who have been denied nationality and its related rights.

Corruption, bribery, theft and tax evasion cost developing countries US$1.26 trillion per year.

49 countries lack laws protecting women from domestic violence.

In 46 countries, women now hold more than 30 percent of seats in at least one chamber of national parliament.

1 billion people are legally ‘invisible’ because they cannot prove who they are. This includes an estimated 625 million children under 14 whose births were never registered.

• Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere
• End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children
• Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all
• By 2030, significantly reduce illicit financial and arms flows, strengthen the recovery and return of stolen assets and combat all forms of organized crime
• Substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms
• Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels
• Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels
• Broaden and strengthen the participation of developing countries in the institutions of global governance
• By 2030, provide legal identity for all, including birth registration
• Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements
• Strengthen relevant national institutions, including through international cooperation, for building capacity at all levels, in particular in developing countries, to prevent violence and combat terrorism and crime
• Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development

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Partnerships for the goals.

The SDGs can only be realized with strong global partnerships and cooperation. Official Development Assistance remained steady but below target, at US$147 billion in 2017. While humanitarian crises brought on by conflict or natural disasters continue to demand more financial resources and aid. Many countries also require Official Development Assistance to encourage growth and trade.

The world is more interconnected than ever. Improving access to technology and knowledge is an important way to share ideas and foster innovation. Coordinating policies to help developing countries manage their debt, as well as promoting investment for the least developed, is vital for sustainable growth and development.

The goals aim to enhance North-South and South-South cooperation by supporting national plans to achieve all the targets. Promoting international trade, and helping developing countries increase their exports is all part of achieving a universal rules-based and equitable trading system that is fair and open and benefits all.

The UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) says achieving SDGs will require US$5 trillion to $7 trillion in annual investment.

Total official development assistance reached US$147.2 billion in 2017.

In 2017, international remittances totaled US$613 billion; 76 percent of it went to developing countries.

In 2016, 6 countries met the international target to keep official development assistance at or above 0.7 percent of gross national income.

Sustainable and responsible investments represent high-potential sources of capital for SDGs. As of 2016, US$18.2 trillion was invested in this asset class.

The bond market for sustainable business is growing. In 2018 global green bonds reached US$155.5billion, up 78 percent from previous year.

• Strengthen domestic resource mobilization, including through international support to developing countries, to improve domestic capacity for tax and other revenue collection
• Developed countries to implement fully their official development assistance commitments, including the commitment by many developed countries to achieve the target of 0.7 per cent of ODA/GNI to developing countries and 0.15 to 0.20 per cent of ODA/GNI to least developed countries ODA providers are encouraged to consider setting a target to provide at least 0.20 per cent of ODA/GNI to least developed countries
• Mobilize additional financial resources for developing countries from multiple sources
• Assist developing countries in attaining long-term debt sustainability through coordinated policies aimed at fostering debt financing, debt relief and debt restructuring, as appropriate, and address the external debt of highly indebted poor countries to reduce debt distress
• Adopt and implement investment promotion regimes for least developed countries  
• Enhance North-South, South-South and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology and innovation and enhance knowledge sharing on mutually agreed terms, including through improved coordination among existing mechanisms, in particular at the United Nations level, and through a global technology facilitation mechanism
• Promote the development, transfer, dissemination and diffusion of environmentally sound technologies to developing countries on favourable terms, including on concessional and preferential terms, as mutually agreed
• Fully operationalize the technology bank and science, technology and innovation capacity-building mechanism for least developed countries by 2017 and enhance the use of enabling technology, in particular information and communications technology  

Capacity building

• Enhance international support for implementing effective and targeted capacity-building in developing countries to support national plans to implement all the sustainable development goals, including through North-South, South-South and triangular cooperation  
• Promote a universal, rules-based, open, non-discriminatory and equitable multilateral trading system under the World Trade Organization, including through the conclusion of negotiations under its Doha Development Agenda
• Significantly increase the exports of developing countries, in particular with a view to doubling the least developed countries’ share of global exports by 2020
• Realize timely implementation of duty-free and quota-free market access on a lasting basis for all least developed countries, consistent with World Trade Organization decisions, including by ensuring that preferential rules of origin applicable to imports from least developed countries are transparent and simple, and contribute to facilitating market access  

Systemic issues

Policy and institutional coherence

• Enhance global macroeconomic stability, including through policy coordination and policy coherence
• Enhance policy coherence for sustainable development
• Respect each country’s policy space and leadership to establish and implement policies for poverty eradication and sustainable development  

Multi-stakeholder partnerships

• Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources, to support the achievement of the sustainable development goals in all countries, in particular developing countries
• Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships  

Data, monitoring and accountability

• By 2020, enhance capacity-building support to developing countries, including for least developed countries and small island developing States, to increase significantly the availability of high-quality, timely and reliable data disaggregated by income, gender, age, race, ethnicity, migratory status, disability, geographic location and other characteristics relevant in national contexts
• By 2030, build on existing initiatives to develop measurements of progress on sustainable development that complement gross domestic product, and support statistical capacity-building in developing countries

Sustainable Development Goals Integration

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Roughly half the world’s population still lives on the equivalent of about US$2 a day with global unemployment rates of 5.7% and having a job doesn’t guarantee the ability to escape from poverty in many places. This slow and uneven progress requires us to rethink and retool our economic and social policies aimed at eradicating poverty.

A continued lack of decent work opportunities, insufficient investments and under-consumption lead to an erosion of the basic social contract underlying democratic societies: that all must share in progress. Even though the average annual growth rate of real GDP per capita worldwide is increasing year on year, there are still many countries in the developing world that are decelerating in their growth rates and moving farther from the 7% growth rate target set for 2030. As labor productivity decreases and unemployment rates rise, standards of living begin to decline due to lower wages.

Sustainable economic growth will require societies to create the conditions that allow people to have quality jobs that stimulate the economy while not harming the environment. Job opportunities and decent working conditions are also required for the whole working age population. There needs to be increased access to financial services to manage incomes, accumulate assets and make productive investments. Increased commitments to trade, banking and agriculture infrastructure will also help increase productivity and reduce unemployment levels in the world’s most impoverished regions.

Take the course

Decent work and economic growth: Achieving SDG 8

Work and Employment for a Sustainable Future

Making Universal Social Protection a Reality

Macroeconomics for a Sustainable Planet

Changing Behaviour for Sustainable Development

Sustainable Development: The Post-Capitalist Order

Industrial Policy in the 21st Century: The Challenge for Africa

Getting a Good Deal: Negotiating Extractive Industry Contracts

How to Achieve the SDGs

The Age of Sustainable Development

Transforming Our World: Achieving the SDGs

Measuring Sustainable Development

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SDG #8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth

Worldwide, the nature of work is changing. Labour markets are rapidly evolving due to globalization, new technologies, evolving business models (including digital) and shifting demographics [1] . Amid rapid change, economic prosperity and success will increasingly depend on developing innovative policies and programs to help all people access good quality jobs, decent wages, social protections, and create a culture of innovation, skills development and lifelong learning 1 . Sustained and inclusive economic growth can drive progress, create decent jobs for all and improve living standards [2] .

While Canada typically experiences strong economic growth with a historically low level of unemployment, labour disparities remain especially for underrepresented groups including women, Indigenous Peoples, racialized peoples, people living with disabilities, LGBTQ2+ people, and others marginalized on the basis of their ethnicity and other identity factors 1 .

Even before the outbreak of COVID-19, 1 in 5 countries, amounting to billions of people living in poverty, were likely to see per capita incomes stagnate or decline in 2020.

• The global unemployment rate in 2017 was 5.6%, down from 6.4% in 2000;
• Globally, 61% of all workers were engaged in informal employment in 2016. Excluding the agricultural sector, 51% of all workers fell into this employment category;
• Men earn 12.5% more than women in 40 out of 45 countries with data;
• The global gender pay gap stands at 23% globally and without decisive action, it will take another 68 years to achieve equal pay;
• Women’s labour force participation rate is 63% while that of men is 94%;
• Despite their increasing presence in public life, women continue to do 2.6 times the unpaid care and domestic work that men do.

Why it Matters

Why should I care about decent work and economic growth for all? Sustained and inclusive economic growth can drive progress, create decent jobs for all and improve living standards.

Decent work means opportunities for everyone to get work that is provides a fair income, provides a safe workplace, and prospects for personal development and social integration. A continued lack of decent work opportunities leads to an erosion of the basic social contract underlying democratic societies: that all must share in progress.

Targets and Indicators for Canada

Below is Canada’s approach to measuring progress on SDG #8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth. Note the targets and indicators chosen [3] .

Recommended Reading

• United Nations. (2021). The Sustainable Development Goal Report, 2020. Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all .
• Global Affairs Canada. (2018). Canada’s Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: voluntary national review . ↵
• United Nations. (2021). Sustainable Development Goals . ↵
• Statistics Canada. (2021). The Canadian Indicator Framework for the Sustainable Development Goals - 2021 . ↵

Introduction to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Copyright © by Jocelyn Baker is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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8. Decent Work and Economic Growth

• SDG 1 : No Poverty
• SDG 2 : Zero Hunger
• SDG 3 : Good Health and Well-Being
• SDG 4 : Quality Education
• SDG 5 : Gender Equality
• SDG 6 : Clean Water and Sanitation
• SDG 7 : Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 8 : Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 9 : Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
• SDG 10 : Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 11 : Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 12 : Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 13 : Climate Action
• SDG 14 : Life Below Water
• SDG 15 : Life on Land
• SDG 16 : Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
• SDG 17 : Partnerships for the Goals

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The 17 goals.

Modal title

SDG 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

• 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.
• Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment.
• Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labour in all its forms.
• 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.
• Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high-value-added and labour-intensive sectors.
• 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.
• Improve progressively, through 2030, global resource efficiency in consumption and production and endeavour to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation, in accordance with the 10-year framework of programmes on sustainable consumption and production, with developed countries taking the lead.
• By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training.
• By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.
• Strengthen the capacity of domestic financial institutions to encourage and expand access to banking, insurance and financial services for all.
• Increase Aid for Trade support for developing countries, in particular least developed countries, including through the Enhanced Integrated Framework for Trade-Related Technical Assistance to Least Developed Countries.
• By 2020, develop and operationalize a global strategy for youth employment and implement the Global Jobs Pact of the International Labour Organization.

Economic growth contributes to sustainable development where it extends benefits to all people, actively reduces inequalities and avoids harm to the environment.

For growth to be inclusive, it must be decent work equally accessible to women and men. With women still less likely to participate in the labour force, and more likely to take the worst jobs in it—insecure, unsafe and poorly paid jobs—inclusive growth remains far out of reach.

Globally, only 63 per cent of women aged 25 to 54 are in the labour force compared to 94 per cent of men of the same age. Women’s participation rate has barely budged in the last 20 years, except in Latin America and the Caribbean, where it rose from 57 per cent to 68 per cent. In Central and Southern Asia, the rate has fallen to 37 per cent.

At current rates of change, the gender gap, which stands at 23 per cent globally, will not close until 2086—or possibly beyond. The estimation only considers better formal jobs, and not the informal, poorer quality ones where many women still work. Patterns of occupational segregation mean some occupations remain dominated by men or women, with the latter tending to be lower in status and pay.

UN Women acts to achieve economic rights and growth for all by promoting decent work, equal pay for equal work, equal access to economic assets and opportunities, and the fair distribution of unpaid care work. Specific support for informal workers helps them claim their rights and have a voice, including through trade unions. Partnership with the private sector, including through the Women’s Empowerment Principles, helps transform business practices in support of gender equality and women’s empowerment.

From where I stand: "I slept in the dog house because I wanted to go to school" Shirley Price, formerly a domestic worker in Jamaica, used to be locked out of the house every night by her employers because she attended evening classes, a memory that haunts her to date. Today, she advocates for domestic workers' rights across the Caribbean, and is campaigning for a national law to protect the rights of domestic workers in Jamaica.

Photo essay: Changing world, changing work While the world of work is changing fast, it needs to change faster to empower women. Women's economic empowerment requires transformative changes that include equal pay for women, increase in labour force participation of women, equally shared unpaid care by men and women, improved conditions for women in the informal sector, and protection against harassment at work.

In Uruguay, care law catalyzes change, ushering services and breaking stereotypes Soledad Rotella, who couldn't afford to send her first two children to daycare, and sometimes left them alone at home so she could earn a living, is now able to send her two-year-old daughter to quality and free day care, thanks to. Uruguay's Care Act. Under the new law, all children, persons with disabilities and elderly persons have the right to get free care. This has helped many women get fulltime jobs without compromising the well-being of their children or family.

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			, and , 2019, vol. 113, issue C, 368-380 SDG 8 calls for promoting ‘sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all’. Even as it highlights the importance of labour rights for all, it also makes visible some significant tensions. We note, for example, that despite many critiques of narrow economic measures of growth, the focus here remains on GDP and per capita growth. This is problematic, we argue, because the GDP productive boundary excludes much of social reproductive work. This puts SDG8 in tension with SDG 5 which calls for the recognition of the value of unpaid care and domestic work. There has been a significant increase in the rate of working women in the formal and informal sector. However, there has not been a subsequent gender shift in the doing of social reproductive work. In this paper we argue SDG 8’s focus on decent work and economic growth is inadequate; that productive employment and decent work for all men and women by 2030 needs to take into account the value and costs of social reproduction. We trace key historical debates on work to argue that both gender and labour rights have to underpin SDG 8 if its promise of inclusive, sustainable and decent work is to be realized. ; ; ; ; ; (search for similar items in EconPapers) 2019 (26) (external link) Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: for items with the same title. BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text for this article World Development is currently edited by in World Development from Bibliographic data for series maintained by Catherine Liu ( ). SDGs – Philippines 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 labour rights and once and for all put a stop to modern slavery and child labour. 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. goal 8 in NUMBERs 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 Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labour-intensive sectors By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training 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 Improve progressively, through 2030, global resource efficiency in consumption and production and endeavour to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation , in accordance with the 10-year framework of programmes on sustainable consumption and production, with developed countries taking the lead 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 Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labour in all its forms Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers , including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products Strengthen the capacity of domestic financial institutions to encourage and expand access to banking, insurance and financial services for all Increase aid for trade support for developing countries , in particular least developed countries, including through the Enhanced Integrated Framework for Trade-Related Technical Assistance to Least Developed Countries By 2020, develop and operationalize a global strategy for youth employment and implement the Global Jobs Pact of the International Labour Organization Goal 8 Indicators (Preliminary data from PSA). goal 8 in action List of Key Government Programs, Activities, or Projects (PAPs) Contributing to Goal 8. Reintegration Program for OFWs On-site programs and services for ofws, child labor program, related sdgs. Latest at Reach Investigating Food Sovereignty through Alternative Food Networks in Jalisco, Mexico  The reach alliance. Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy at the University of Toronto 1 Devonshire Place, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3K7 Canada General Inquiries reachalliance.munk@utoronto.ca Case Studies The Reach Alliance is committed to being a prominent hub of inclusive knowledge production. We prioritize knowledge, knowers, and ways of knowing that have been traditionally disengaged and marginalized from ‘legitimate’ academic knowledge. We work with research collaborators to share findings with the global insight community, project implementers, those that contributed to the research, and those that can benefit from the research directly. We do so in ways that amplify the perspectives of those who have historically been left out or silenced in these discussions. Academic Partner Research Status Research year. Case Study Peru Addressing Anemia in Peru: Nutri-H’s Iron-Fortified Solutions SDG 2 SDG 3 SDG 8 SDG 9 SDG 10 Case Study Rwanda Increasing Meaningful Financial Inclusion in Rwanda: Community-Based Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies SDG 10 SDG 1 SDG 8 Case Study Singapore Project MigrantPal: Harnessing digital technology to improve the well-being of the migrant workers in Singapore SDG 3 SDG 8 SDG 10 Case Study India Streamlining Access to Social Benefit for Internal Seasonal Migrants in India Case Study Chile Empowering Chile’s Grassroots Recyclers: The Conecta, Recicla y Colabora Initiative SDG 12 SDG 11 SDG 1 SDG 8 How can we Utilise Conversational A.I. to Enhance Financial Literacy for Migrant Workers in Singapore? SDG 8 SDG 11 SDG 9 Case Study Mali Social Art for Behavioural Change (SABC): Promoting WASH in Mali SDG 3 SDG 5 SDG 6 SDG 8 SDG 9 SDG 11 Case Study Mexico Strengthening Small Family Businesses in Tequila, Mexico SDG 5 SDG 8 SDG 10 Struggle and Resilience of Migrant Indigenous Communities in Irregular Settlements in Mexico SDG 1 SDG 8 SDG 10 SDG 11 Expanding Access to Justice Through Community-Based Paralegals in New Delhi and Assam SDG 1 SDG 5 SDG 8 SDG 10 SDG 16 Evaluating Makerspace Interventions in Cerro del Cuatro SDG 4 SDG 8 SDG 9 SDG 10 SDG 11 Women’s Economic Empowerment in Jalisco SDG 4 SDG 5 SDG 8 Get Involved ENGINEERING: The Key to Decent Work and Economic Growth by Nia-Omhle Lunga 5th grade at Farragut Intermediate School (Knoxville, TN) Special Recognition The UN’s sustainable development goals (SDGs) were established to set and provide guidelines towards an integrated social, economic, and environmental framework advancing the well-being of humanity [1]. Within this framework, engineering plays a pivotal role in social needs and maintaining a sustainable environment. In this essay, we focus on how advances within the engineering profession can impact decent work and economic prosperity. Throughout history, engineering has proved to be central to establishing and sustaining economic growth and decent work. Take the agricultural revolution (AR) for example. Before the AR, life for humans was based on hunting, crop, and livestock farming. However, the introduction of AR welcomed the mechanization of agriculture, leading to an economic growth spurt. Advanced farming tools were invented and old ones perfected to improve the efficiency of various operations. This brought about the industrial revolution (IR) with world-class innovations that altered how the farming process worked. During this time, manufacturing and the economy were all advancing rapidly [2]. Textile machines were created, and decent jobs started to take the industry by storm. Technological advances developed during IR gave birth to the information age - marking the current era. It is in this era where we are witnessing creativity at scale, integration of diverse perspectives, and multidisciplinary engineering professions working together. Take for example the development of the COVID-19 vaccine. It took a village of engineers and scientists coming from all different parts, and backgrounds to share knowledge that sequenced the gene for the COVID-19 vaccine. They did this by creating new algorithms and running large simulations on supercomputers. Scientists conducted experiments and vaccine trials in laboratories across different communities. The distribution of the vaccine relied on efficient transportation processes and systems designed by engineers - another testament to the impact that engineers are making in society. Information technologies are on the rise; e.g. the internet - a technology which according to statistics, is used by over 60% of the world. The internet is bridging gaps; linking students from underrepresented or low-income communities to connect to online resources and get a free education. The SDG8 targets present a framework to help achieve economic growth & decent work. These targets include SDG8.2: achieving higher levels of economic productivity through diversification; SDG8.3: promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, and decent job creation; SDG8.5: by 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all genders and equal pay for work of equal value; SDG8.6: by 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training; And SDG8.8: protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers. Through innovation, engineering can impact the SDG8 targets by creating more prospects for a sensational future. Here we list example industries [3] that have been impacted the most by engineering and are proof that engineering will help achieve SDG8 targets. Health: Throughout history, advances in medical technology have mainly been due to engineers, and without them, doctors would not be as efficient at helping people. Engineering has enhanced economic productivity through new medical equipment manufacturing industries. Development and technology: From steam engines, and airplanes, new industries are being created, allowing businesses to work smarter and faster than ever before. Traveling continues to change the way we connect with one another, opening opportunities for new business and employment. The internet allows people to access information, banks, shopping, learning, communication, and much more. In summary, engineering will continue to thrive while creating conditions to implement the SDG8 goals. In our era, it is evident that engineering remains the key to decent work and economic growth for our societies’ future. Bibliography Feb 26 2021 SAJA ASLAM STEM AND SOCIETY, WRITINGS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS) – WHAT ENGINEERS CAN DO TO ADVANCE SDG8 http://aslamsaja.com/sustainable-development-goals-sdgs-what-engineers-can-do-to-advance-sdg8/  PAGES 39 and 40 ONLY W. Walker Hanlon, The Rise of the Engineer: Inventing the Professional Inventor During the Industrial Revolution, July 1st, 2021  http://walkerhanlon.com/papers/hanlon_rise_of_the_engineer.pdf How exactly does engineering impact society?:  By Gloucestershire Engineering Training (GET): Viewed on Jan 6th, 2022; https://get-trained.org/latest-news/how-exactly-does-engineering-impact-society Employment and decent work. Official author: European Commission. Time viewed for essay: Jan. 1st, 2022 https://ec.europa.eu/international-partnerships/topics/employment-and-decent-work_en The Role Of Engineers is Critical in Sustainable Development, By: Sohini Bagchi Created Sep. 15, 2021, at 2:33 pm https://www.cxotoday.com/cloud/the-role-of-engineers-in-sustainable-development-is-critical/ Decent Work and Economic Growth: Boosting Prosperity Through Action By GGI Insights | August 2, 2024 Table of contents Decent work refers to opportunities for work that are productive and deliver a fair income, security in the workplace, and social protection for workers and their families. Economic growth , on the other hand, refers to an increase in a country's gross domestic product (GDP) over time. According to the UN , "Roughly half the world’s population still lives on the equivalent of about US$2 a day. And in too many places, having a job doesn’t guarantee the ability to escape from poverty. This slow and uneven progress requires us to rethink and retool our economic and social policies aimed at eradicating poverty." Sustainable Development Goals Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth is one of the 17 SDGs adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development . The goal is to promote inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. This includes creating new and better job opportunities, improving working conditions, and promoting social protection for all. The goal also aims to reduce poverty and income inequality, and to support small businesses and entrepreneurs. Development-oriented policies are designed to promote economic growth and development in a sustainable and inclusive manner. These policies can help to create decent job opportunities and increase global resource efficiency. By implementing development-oriented policies, governments, businesses, and other organizations can help to reduce unemployment rates and increase the growth rate of their economies. By addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality, and by promoting the well-being and prosperity of individuals, communities and countries can contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promote sustainable development around the world. Want to see how your sustainability efforts measure up? Check out our article How Do You Measure Up to the UN's New Goal for Wellness by 2030? More than fashion, the "Empower Progress" collection is a partnership. Fuel initiatives for decent work and economic growth, where 30% of profits pave the way for a brighter future. Shop now, empower progress! The Importance of Sustainable Development Sustainable development refers to the use of resources in a way that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is based on the idea that economic growth, social development, and environmental protection are interconnected and must be balanced in order to achieve long-term sustainability. Sustainable development is important because it helps to ensure that the planet and its resources will be available to future generations. It also helps to reduce poverty and improve living standards, and promotes more inclusive and equitable societies. Additionally, sustainable development can contribute to economic growth by promoting innovation and efficiency, and by creating new business opportunities. There are a number of challenges to achieving sustainable development, including climate change, pollution, loss of biodiversity, and resource depletion. Addressing these challenges will require efforts from governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals, and will require the implementation of policies and practices that are sustainable in the long-term. Targets of Sustainable Development Goal 8 The targets of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth are: To 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. To substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training. To implement policies to promote the growth of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises through access to financial services. To significantly increase the exports of developing countries. To enhance capacity-building support to developing countries, including the least developed countries and small island developing states. To take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025, end child labour in all its forms. To protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment. To strengthen the capacity of domestic financial institutions to encourage and expand access to banking, insurance, and financial services for all. Strategies for Promoting Decent Work and Economic Growth To promote decent work and economic growth, there are a number of strategies that can be employed. By implementing these strategies, we can create more inclusive and prosperous societies. 1. Invest in education and training The world is short on jobs and social inequality is growing. Investing in education and training is an important strategy for promoting decent work and economic growth, as it can help to create more productive and efficient workers, increase employment opportunities, and improve living standards. It is an investment in the future, as it helps to ensure that future generations have the skills and knowledge they need to access better employment opportunities. Investing in education and training is a key strategy for promoting decent work and economic growth. Some benefits of this strategy include: By investing in education and training, individuals can gain the skills and qualifications they need to find quality jobs. This can be particularly beneficial for unemployed people, who can use education and training to improve their employability and increase their chances of finding work. The labour force is expected to increase by 8.9 million by 2030 . To adapt to the needs of the growing labour force, investments in education and training will be critical to create employment opportunities. This is particularly important in less-developed countries, where there may be a large number of young people entering the workforce but a shortage of decent work opportunities. Educated and trained workers are often more productive and efficient than those who are not. By investing in education and training, businesses and organizations can improve their productivity and competitiveness. Ways to invest in education and training include: Providing access to education and training programs: This can include funding for schools, universities, and vocational training programs. It can also involve providing financial assistance to students to help them afford education and training. Check out 10 things you can do to promote quality education worldwide. Investing in teacher training and development: By investing in teacher training and development, countries can improve the quality of education and training and ensure that educators are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to teach effectively. 2. Support small businesses Small businesses are a key driver of economic growth, and supporting them helps with job creation and promotes inclusive economic growth. However, small businesses often face challenges in accessing financing, markets, and other resources. Lack of funding is a primary reason for the failure of small businesses. This can contribute to the continued lack of decent work opportunities, particularly in less-developed countries. By supporting small businesses, governments, businesses, and other organizations can help to overcome these challenges and promote the growth of small-scale production and economic activities. There are a number of ways to support small businesses, including: Providing access to financing: Providing access to financing through financial institutions, such as microloans or other financial instruments, can help small businesses overcome this challenge and grow. Promoting small businesses in the supply chain: Companies can support small businesses by including them in their supply chain and purchasing goods and services from them. This can help small businesses access new markets and tap into higher levels of economic productivity. Providing training and support: Small businesses can benefit from training and support programs that help them improve their operations, increase their competitiveness, and adapt to changes in the labour market. 3. Promote fair wages and working conditions Ensuring that workers are paid fairly and have safe and decent working conditions can help promote economic growth by increasing productivity and reducing turnover. Ensuring that workers are paid fairly and have safe and decent working conditions is an important aspect of protecting labour rights and promoting social justice. There are a number of ways to promote fair wages and working conditions, including: Ensuring that workers are paid a fair wage: This can be done by setting minimum wage levels and ensuring that workers are paid fairly for their skills and experience. Promoting fair wages and working conditions is particularly important in labour-intensive sectors, where wages and working conditions can have a significant impact on economic growth. For instance, domestic workers are three times as likely to be living in poverty as other workers, according to the Economic Policy Institute . It is also important in less-developed countries, where already tepid economic growth can be further hindered by the lack of decent work opportunities. It is also important in less-developed countries, where already tepid economic growth can be further hindered by the lack of decent work opportunities and appropriate economic policies . Providing safe and decent working conditions: Ensure that workplaces are safe and free from hazards, and that workers have access to necessary protective equipment and other resources. Protecting the rights of workers: This can involve supporting the right to collective bargaining, and ensuring that workers have the right to form and join unions and other worker organizations. 4. Foster entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship can create new businesses and jobs, and can help drive innovation and economic growth by bringing new products, services, and technologies to the market. In many developing countries, the informal economy is a significant source of employment and income for a large portion of the population. By providing education and training opportunities and promoting entrepreneurship, informal sector workers can be integrated into the formal economy. There are a number of ways to encourage entrepreneurship, including: Providing access to financing: Entrepreneurs often struggle to access financing, which can limit their ability to start and grow their businesses. Providing access to financing can help entrepreneurs overcome this challenge and grow their businesses. Supporting business development programs: Business development programs can provide entrepreneurs with training, mentorship, and other resources to help them start and grow their businesses. Creating a favorable business environment: Governments and other organizations can create a favorable business environment by simplifying business registration processes, reducing regulatory burden, and providing other forms of support. Encouraging innovation: Encouraging innovation can help entrepreneurs create new products, services, and technologies that can drive economic growth. This can involve investing in research and development, or supporting the adoption of new technologies. 5. Promote gender equality In many countries, women are more likely to live in poverty than men. Promoting gender equality in the workplace can help to reduce poverty by increasing women's access to decent work and income. According to International Labour Organization data, over 4 million women have not been able to return to work in Latin America and the Caribbean since the COVID-19 pandemic . Closing the gender gap in the workforce can increase productivity and stimulate economic growth. Globally, young women face higher rates of unemployment and lack of education or training compared to young men. When women are able to participate in the workforce on an equal footing with men, it can lead to a diversification of the workforce and the creation of more decent jobs. It also increases the number of workers available in the labour market. This can help to stimulate the global economy and promote sustainable, long term economic growth. In fact, global GDP growth could increase 26 percent by closing the gaps between women and men in the workforce. In addition, promoting gender equality in the workplace can also increase productivity. Studies have shown that when women are able to fully participate in the workforce, it can lead to more diverse and innovative thinking, as well as improved decision-making and problem-solving skills. 6. Encourage trade Encouraging international trade can help businesses to access new markets and increase their competitiveness. There are a number of ways that governments can support and encourage trade, including: Negotiating trade agreements: Governments can negotiate trade agreements with other countries to reduce tariffs and other barriers to trade. This makes it easier for businesses to export their products to other markets. Providing trade support: Governments can provide trade financing to businesses to help them access the capital they need to engage in international trade. This can include export credits, guarantees, and insurance to help businesses manage the risks associated with exporting. Offering trade-related technical assistance: Governments can provide technical assistance to businesses to help them understand and comply with the rules and regulations of foreign markets. This can include help with product certification, labeling, and other requirements. Promoting trade missions: Governments can sponsor trade missions and other events to help businesses meet potential customers and partners in foreign markets. This can help businesses to develop new business relationships and expand their market presence. 7. Foster innovation Innovation can drive productivity, increase total employment levels, help businesses to access new markets, and lead to the development of new products and services. In addition, promoting innovation can help to drive productive activities and increase gross domestic product (GDP). Insufficient investments in R&D can limit a country's ability to develop new technologies and innovations, hindering economic growth. Governments can promote the adoption of new technologies by providing incentives for businesses to invest in innovative products and processes. Measuring Innovation in a Country There are a number of indicators that can be used to measure the extent to which a country is fostering innovation. These may include measures of R&D spending, the number of patents filed, and the number of new businesses being created. It is important to consider these indicators in accordance with the specific national circumstances of a country, as the most appropriate indicators may vary depending on the stage of economic development and the size and structure of the economy. 8. Invest in infrastructure Investment in infrastructure is crucial for supporting economic growth, particularly in both rural and urban areas. Infrastructure includes the basic systems and facilities that enable economic activity, such as transportation networks, communication systems, energy production and distribution, and water and sanitation systems. In rural areas, investment in infrastructure can be particularly important for improving connectivity and access to markets. For example, investment in transportation infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, can help businesses to more easily transport goods and access new markets. Promoting social protection in these regions can complement such infrastructural developments by providing a safety net for vulnerable individuals and families, ultimately contributing to poverty reduction and sustainable economic growth. In some cases, promoting innovation may require increased aid from the private sector or from governments. In low-income countries, for example, slower growth may be due to a lack of access to modern technologies and innovations. In addition to traditional infrastructure, investment in emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure, can also support economic growth. These technologies can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and drive innovation in a range of sectors. Plus, investment in emerging technologies can support technological upgrading and drive innovation. 9. Promote sustainable development Ensuring that economic growth is sustainable can help protect the environment and ensure that the benefits of growth are shared widely.  It involves taking into account the social, economic, and environmental impacts of development and working towards the global goals of reducing poverty, promoting equality, and protecting the environment. By promoting sustainable development, countries can achieve long-term, sustainable gross domestic product growth and a better quality of life for all members of society. Sustainable Tourism This involves promoting tourism in a way that is environmentally responsible and supports local communities. Sustainable tourism can help to reduce environmental degradation and contribute to the local economy, making it a win-win for both the environment and the local community. Sustainable Consumption This involves encouraging people to consume goods and services in a way that does not deplete natural resources. For example, promoting the use of environmentally friendly products and supporting local agriculture can help to reduce environmental degradation and support local economies. Health and Sustainable Development Sustainable development is also closely linked to health. Ensuring that people have access to clean water, food, and other necessities is essential for promoting sustainable development. Strong institutions and policies that support health and well-being can help to ensure that the benefits of economic growth are shared widely. 10. Support social protection Social protection programs are government-funded initiatives that provide support to individuals and families who are vulnerable to poverty and social exclusion. These programs can include unemployment insurance, pension systems, healthcare, and education. Social Protection Programs and Economic Growth By providing support to individuals who are out of work, social protection programs can help to reduce poverty and increase economic stability. This supports decent job creation and creates a more favorable environment for businesses to invest. Reduce Income Inequality Social protection programs can help to ensure that the benefits of economic growth are shared widely. By providing a safety net for individuals and families who are vulnerable to poverty, social protection programs can help to reduce income inequality and promote social cohesion. This can lead to a more stable and sustainable economy, as it reduces the risk of social unrest and erosion of the basic social contract. Social Protection Programs and Sustainable Development By providing support to vulnerable individuals and families, social protection programs can help to reduce environmental degradation and promote sustainable consumption. This can create a more favorable environment for businesses to invest and create high-value jobs, ultimately contributing to economic growth. By promoting social protection, countries can achieve long-term, sustainable economic growth and become sustainability leaders in the global economy. As such, social protection should be a key component of any global strategy for promoting economic growth and development. Promoting decent work and economic growth requires a multifaceted approach that considers the needs of both businesses and individuals. By adopting these strategies, countries can create more decent jobs, increase productivity and competitiveness, and achieve long-term, sustainable economic growth. It is important for governments, businesses, and other stakeholders to work together to adopt a holistic approach to economic growth that takes into account the social, economic, and environmental impacts of development. By doing so, they can create a more prosperous and equitable global economy that benefits all members of society. Let Us Do The Heavy Lifting Want to be a part of the solution to some of the world's biggest challenges? By becoming a GGI investor, you'll be supporting our mission to promote decent work and economic growth in the digital age. With your investment, we can continue to create solutions that build strong relationships and improve people's lives. Be a part of shaping the future and invest in GGI today . Together, we can work towards a brighter future for all. Popular Insights: Shop with purpose at impact mart your purchase empowers positive change. thanks for being the difference. 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Press Release Even against a backdrop of economic uncertainty—driven by high inflation and interest rates, generative AI, international conflicts, changing demographics, and a shifting policy environment—the future of good jobs in the US looks promising. Economic opportunity will increasingly favor workers with higher levels of education and training. The Future of Good Jobs: Projections through 2031 forecasts the number of good jobs in 2031 for workers ages 25–64 by 22 occupational groups and three educational pathways (bachelor’s degree, middle skills, and high school). The report finds that while there will be good jobs on every educational pathway in 2031, only 15 percent will be available to workers on the high school pathway, compared to 66 percent on the bachelor’s degree pathway and 19 percent on the middle-skills pathway. Source: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce projections using Carnevale et al., After Everything , 2023; US Census Bureau and Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Population Survey (CPS), March Supplement, 1992–2020; and US Bureau of Economic Analysis, SARPP Regional Price Parities by State, 2020. Note: Values may not sum to 100 percent due to rounding. The minimum earnings threshold for good jobs is adjusted for the difference in cost of living by state and for inflation to 2020 dollars using R-CPI-U-RS. Good Jobs and Promising Occupations – what is a good job. CEW defines a good job as one that pays, nationally, a minimum of $43,000 to workers ages 25–44 and a minimum of $55,000 to workers ages 45–64, with a median of $82,000 for all good jobs. – What is a Promising Occupation? To help workers make decisions that maximize their likelihood of securing a good job, this report introduces the concept of promising occupations for workers on each educational pathway. To be considered promising, an occupational group must meet two criteria: More than half of jobs in the occupational group are projected to be good for workers on a given educational pathway in 2031. The occupational group will employ a higher share of workers on a specific educational pathway than will the overall economy in 2031 (more than 52 percent for workers on the bachelor’s degree pathway, 22 percent on the middle-skills pathway, and 26 percent on the high school pathway). Good Jobs and Promising Occupations on Each Educational Pathway Bachelor's Degree Pathway Middle-Skills Pathway High School Pathway Occupational Cluster Managerial and professional office Education, training, and library Community services and the arts Healthcare professional and technical Healthcare support Food and personal services Sales and office support Blue-collar Both upskilling within occupations and growth of occupations that require comparatively high levels of education will increasingly shift opportunity to workers with bachelor’s degrees or higher. As a result, the bachelor’s degree pathway will offer the largest number of good jobs (58.2 million) and promising occupational groups (10) in 2031. Federal investments in infrastructure, along with slower labor force growth, fewer college graduates, and expanding generative AI capabilities, have the potential to support a more robust middle-skills labor market than in previous decades. By 2031, middle-skills workers will have 16.4 million good jobs and five promising occupational groups available to them. Ten of the 22 occupational groups will see net declines in good jobs on the high school pathway, even as many of these same occupations will see growth in the numbers of good jobs on the bachelor’s degree and middle-skills pathways. Consequently, by 2031, the high school pathway will only have 13.2 million good jobs available to workers and just one promising occupational group (installation, maintenance, and repair). The Future of Good Jobs: Projections through 2031 forecasts that the bachelor’s degree pathway will be the dominant route to good jobs in the future despite continued skepticism about the value of a college degree. Comments are closed. Privacy Policy Eit accessibility. Book / Chapter Media Mentions Media Inquiries Explore Our ROI Rankings Good Jobs Data 167 COMMENTS Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth Improve progressively, through 2030, global resource efficiency in consumption and production and endeavour to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation, in accordance with the 10‑Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production, with developed countries taking the lead. Target 8. 5. Decent work & economic growth Worldwide. [goal: 8] aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full employment, and decent work for all. COVID-19 caused the deepest global recession in decades, reducing global GDP by 3.1 percent in 2020. Today only 5 percent of the world population live in a country that is on track to return to or surpass pre ... GOAL 8: Decent work and economic growth Learn more about SDG 8 Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all: Preserving the environment is key to support sustainable economic growth as the natural environment plays an important role in supporting economic activities. It contributes directly, by providing resources and raw materials such as water, timber and ... (PDF) SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth Abstract. Economic growth as well as the struggles for decent work had their origins in the emergence of capitalism. Capitalism, with its logic of competition and accumulation, is an inherently ... PDF Decent Work and Economic Growth ECONOMIC GROWTH, FULL AND PRODUCTIVE EMPLOYMENT AND DECENT WORK FOR ALL DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH 8 I. SUMMARY Although the aggregate labour market picture for many countries in the Asia-Pacific region was one of positive economic and employment growth in the decades before 2019, the region was still lagging in Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth Goal 8 targets. Links. Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all. Over the past 25 years the number of workers living in extreme poverty has declined dramatically, despite the long-lasting impact of the economic crisis of 2008/2009. In developing countries, the middle class now makes up more than 34 ... PDF DECENT WORK AND 30 million: ECONOMIC GROWTH 470 million jobs are needed globally for new entrants to the labour market between 2016 and 2030, just to keep up with the growth of the global working age. 30 million:Number of jobs requiredevery ... SDG Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth Previous goal. Back to SDG overview. Next goal. Goal 8 aims to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. As this relates to children, Target 8.7 of this goal aims to eliminate the worst forms of child labour, including the recruitment and use of child soldiers, as well as to end ... Decent Work and Economic Growth The volume addresses SDG 8, namely "Promote sustained,inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all" and contains the description of a range of terms, which allow a better understanding and foster knowledge. The predominant economic model is promoting a lopsided economic growth that is further ... From "Decent work and economic growth" to "Sustainable work and The sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) have successfully raised awareness and built momentum for taking collective action, while also remaining uncritical of the central causes of the environmental crises - economic growth, inequality, and overconsumption in the Global North. We analyse SDG 8 "Decent Work and Economic Growth" from the perspective of strong sustainability - as ... United Nations Development Programme Decent work and economic growth . 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 ... "SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth" by Zhun Xu and Shouvik Chakraborty One of the two components of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8 is "economic growth", a term which people in the 21st century are quite familiar with. The question of growth, or the lack thereof, has often featured prominently in political debates, scholarly writings, as well as popular media. Nevertheless, sustained economic growth was only a recent phenomenon in ... SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth Introduction. In this paper we build on feminist debates on gender and work to argue that Goal 8 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which advocates 'sustainable economic growth and decent work for all' falls short of its own ambition by not addressing issues of social reproductive work and therefore of gender equality. Decent Work and Economic Growth Sustainable economic growth will require societies to create the conditions that allow people to have quality jobs that stimulate the economy while not harming the environment. Job opportunities and decent working conditions are also required for the whole working age population. There needs to be increased access to financial services to ... Understand Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth (Secondary) Want to learn more? Join our Global Goals community for free resources, courses and learning opportunities around the SDGs: https://bit.ly/2KNoNWPcopyright:2... SDG #8 Sustained and inclusive economic growth can drive progress, create decent jobs for all and improve living standards. Decent work means opportunities for everyone to get work that is provides a fair income, provides a safe workplace, and prospects for personal development and social integration. A continued lack of decent work opportunities ... 8. Decent Work and Economic Growth The 17 Goals. SDG 8 offers a framework for countries to implement a mixture of policies aimed at promoting growth and productivity without harming the environment and generating decent work that respects core labour rights as an effective pathway to inclusive growth. The high and enduring record of economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region has ... SDG 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth UN Women acts to achieve economic rights and growth for all by promoting decent work, equal pay for equal work, equal access to economic assets and opportunities, and the fair distribution of unpaid care work. Specific support for informal workers helps them claim their rights and have a voice, including through trade unions. SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth In this paper we argue SDG 8's focus on decent work and economic growth is inadequate; that productive employment and decent work for all men and women by 2030 needs to take into account the value and costs of social reproduction. We trace key historical debates on work to argue that both gender and labour rights have to underpin SDG 8 if its ... Goal 8 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 labour rights and once ... SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth UN SDGs. SDG 1: No Poverty SDG 2: Zero Hunger SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being SDG 4: Quality Education SDG 5: Gender Equality SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and ... ENGINEERING: The Key to Decent Work and Economic Growth In this essay, we focus on how advances within the engineering profession can impact decent work and economic prosperity. Throughout history, engineering has proved to be central to establishing and sustaining economic growth and decent work. Take the agricultural revolution (AR) for example. Before the AR, life for humans was based on hunting ... Decent Work and Economic Growth: Boosting Prosperity Through Action Decent work refers to opportunities for work that are productive and deliver a fair income, security in the workplace, and social protection for workers and their families. Economic growth, on the other hand, refers to an increase in a country's gross domestic product (GDP) over time.. According to the UN, "Roughly half the world's population still lives on the equivalent of about US$2 a day. The Future of Good Jobs: Projections through 2031 Both upskilling within occupations and growth of occupations that require comparatively high levels of education will increasingly shift opportunity to workers with bachelor's degrees or higher. As a result, the bachelor's degree pathway will offer the largest number of good jobs (58.2 million) and promising occupational groups (10) in 2031. assignment essay homework paper phd report resume review speech thesis