Decent work and economic growth
Economic growth should serve as a positive force for the entire planet. It is crucial that financial progress generates decent and fulfilling jobs without causing harm to the environment. Protecting labour rights and eliminating modern slavery and child labour are essential goals.
Goal 8 promotes sustained and inclusive economic growth alongside productive employment and decent work for all. It is founded on the understanding that economic expansion without labour protections, fair wages, and safety standards can exacerbate inequality and social instability.
The goal addresses unemployment, underemployment, informal work, forced labour, child labour, workplace safety, and the quality of growth itself. Structural challenges include weak labour regulation, globalised supply chains, automation, and declining bargaining power for workers.
The International Labour Organization provides international labour standards and monitoring, while organisations such as Fairtrade International and Clean Clothes Campaign scrutinise supply chains and corporate practices.
Measured progress includes long-term reductions in child labour and improvements in occupational safety in some regions. At the same time, precarious work, platform labour, and wage stagnation have intensified, especially in high-income economies. These dynamics are regularly highlighted on World Day for Decent Work (7 October) and in debates on the future of work.
GSN situates labour issues within broader economic governance and power relations.
Migration forum and ILO recruitment strategy set 2026 test for migrant worker rights
NGO collapse deepens 2026 jobs crisis
Migrant Workers Centre advances workplace justice for migrant labour
The end of dismissal by algorithm
The green paradox of progress: when booming green jobs still fall short of protecting the planet
A turning point in youth employment and sustainable agriculture
Children in the shadows of tech coltan dilemma
Empowering migrant workers to organise and defend their rights in global supply chains
Decent work, fair pay: building inclusive economies for a sustainable future
African fish workers sidelined in trade deals: A challenge to SDG 8
World Day for Safety and Health at Work spotlights climate change risks at the workplace
Driving global change: How UpLink’s innovators are advancing sustainability and economic equality
Explaining APEC’s investment agenda with global goals for long-term prosperity
Improving global supply chains: Transparentem's fight for labour and environmental justice
Labor conditions in the Asian textile industry: A closer look at exploitation and global efforts for change
Reshaping global finance: FfD4 and the future of sustainable development
Creating decent work: A pathway to global sustainability and economic growth
Empowering small businesses and advancing equity with Lisc
OECD: Shaping better policies for sustainable global development
Green capitalism vs. Renegade economics: Della Z Duncan’s vision for regenerative economies
Driving economic justice and sustainability through refugee empowerment
Economic equality: Greystone Bakery´s unique open hiring model
Why inefficient colleagues are dangerous
The list of goods produced by child labor or forced labor
Unlocking Spain's Future: The Immigration Impact
Investing in youth: A key to achieving decent work and economic resilience by 2030
Comment: The persistent wage gaps and their impact on living a dignified life
The 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games
Global initiative to secure decent jobs for youth
Youth engagement and decent work: The role of the nonprofit sector
Pioneering job creation, social protection, and sustainable growth
Comment: Open letter to G7 journalists
CalNonprofits and the global society: Tackling student debt for a sustainable future
FAcE-PaM empowers over 13,000 vulnerable women with agricultural and vocational training
Success for children of the planet: Declaration at G7 Summit
Open letter to G7 leaders: Your commitments to eliminate child labor & forced labor
Social justice in the fight against modern slavery
Modern slavery
Unemployment discrimination: Research exposes illegal practices in recruitment processes
Analyzing labor market: Baby boom versus baby bust
Companies empowering migrant workers for economic growth
Education partnership brings economic growth
Planting seeds for a healthy community: Grassroots movement towards a sustainable tomorrow
Fashion and crafts provide work lifeline for women amid restrictions
Open hiring approach shows promising results in boosting diversity, retention, and sales
Electrician labor shortage exacerbated by lack of women in trades
Company supports women to succeed in the tech industry
Civil society helps single moms become financially independent
Free haircuts to give people a better chance in life
Industrial transformation by circular economy
TARGETS
Everyone can contribute to achieving the Global Goals. By focusing on these targets, meaningful action can be taken to create significant impacts across various areas. This approach encourages collaboration and collective efforts to address critical issues, ensuring that no one is left behind.
SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH
The objective is to sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances, aiming for a minimum of 7% gross domestic product (GDP) growth per annum in the least developed countries. This approach seeks to foster sustainable economic advancement tailored to each nation's specific conditions, particularly enhancing growth rates in the world's least developed regions.
DIVERSIFY, INNOVATE AND UPGRADE FOR ECONOMIC PRODUCTIVITY
To achieve higher levels of economic productivity, it is essential to focus on diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation. This includes prioritizing high-value added and labor-intensive sectors. By diversifying economic activities, adopting advanced technologies, and fostering innovation, economies can enhance productivity across various sectors, thereby promoting sustainable growth and development.
PROMOTE POLICIES TO SUPPORT JOB CREATION AND GROWING ENTERPRISES
Encourage policies aimed at fostering productive activities, creating decent jobs, promoting entrepreneurship, fostering creativity and innovation, and supporting the formalization and growth of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Access to financial services is crucial in this regard, facilitating their development and sustainability. These efforts are essential for promoting inclusive economic growth and enhancing opportunities for all segments of society.
IMPROVE RESOURCE EFFICIENCY IN CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION
To progressively improve global resource efficiency in consumption and production through 2030, and to strive towards decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation, aligning with the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production. Developed countries should lead these efforts, setting a precedent for sustainable practices worldwide.
FULL EMPLOYMENT AND DECENT WORK WITH EQUAL PAY
By 2030, the goal is to achieve full and productive employment, ensuring decent work for all women and men, including young people and persons with disabilities. This includes striving for equal pay for work of equal value across all sectors and regions.
PROMOTE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION AND TRAINING
The goal for 2020 was to significantly decrease the proportion of youth who are not in employment, education, or training.
END MODERN SLAVERY, TRAFFICKING AND CHILD LABOUR
Immediate and effective measures must be taken to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and ensure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor. This includes preventing the recruitment and use of child soldiers. By 2025, our goal should be to completely eliminate child labor in all its forms. These actions are crucial steps towards ensuring a world where all individuals, especially children, can live free from exploitation and with dignity.
PROTECT LABOUR RIGHTS AND PROMOTE SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENTS
It is crucial to protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers. This includes ensuring these rights extend to migrant workers, especially women migrants, and those in precarious employment situations. Ensuring fair treatment, safety standards, and equal opportunities for all workers is essential for fostering a sustainable and just global workforce.
PROMOTE BENEFICIAL AND SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
By 2030, our goal is to devise and implement policies that promote sustainable tourism, fostering job creation while celebrating and preserving local cultures and products.
UNIVERSAL ACCESS TO BANKING, INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES
Enhance the capabilities of domestic financial institutions to promote and broaden access to banking, insurance, and financial services for all individuals.
INCREASE AID FOR TRADE SUPPORT
Increasing Aid for Trade support for developing countries, especially least developed countries, including through initiatives like the Enhanced Integrated Framework for Trade-related Technical Assistance to Least Developed Countries, is crucial. This support can enhance their capacity to engage in international trade, improve competitiveness, and integrate more effectively into the global economy.
DEVELOP A GLOBAL YOUTH EMPLOYMENT STRATEGY
By 2020, developing and operationalizing a global strategy for youth employment and implementing the Global Jobs Pact of the International Labour Organization aimed to enhance opportunities for young people globally.