Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Goal 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
Goal 8 promotes sustainable economic growth that is inclusive of all people and provides decent, meaningful jobs for the global community to improve human well-being.
The global economy has exacerbated the divide between extreme wealth and poverty and this disparity is widening. Currently, about half the world’s population has just US$2 a day to live on. Working poverty, even in developed countries, has increased and experts say that a dramatic re-working of the economy is needed if poverty is ever going to be eliminated.
There remains a significant lack of investment into decent and fair-paying jobs, which is holding the world back from progress in this area. The UN states: “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”.
Of course, decent pay and work opportunities provide many other benefits such as increased access to health care, education, and participation in decision-making.
The world is currently facing unprecedented challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic with billions of workers in the informal economy at risk of losing their livelihoods. However it also presents an opportunity to build back better as the UN aims to build a green economy that increases economic productivity through diversification and innovation, creates at least 7% growth in gross domestic product per annum in developing countries, and promotes sustainable consumption and production of products by 2030.
Australia's Progress towards Goal 8
The Transforming Australia: SDG Progress Report provides key information about how Australia is progressing towards achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Visit the Transforming Australia website to see more about Australia’s progress towards Goal 8.
Do you want to know how to achieve the SDGs?
MSDI has partnered with McMaster University to create the world's most comprehensive repository of research evidence. Click here for the latest evidence and research from around the world aligned with Goal 8.
PROJECTS RELATED TO THIS SDG
Trafficking and Slavery Research Group
With the passage of the Australian Modern Slavery Act 2018 and similar legislation around the world, Monash sees a need for a space in which groups interested in going beyond minimum compliance may come together to learn, to innovate and to develop a shared concept of what defines 'effectiveness' in corporate responses to modern slavery. The Trafficking and Slavery Research Group at Monash has been at the forefront of building the evidence base for policy, criminal justice and corporate responses to modern slavery.
Growth through transformation
To help governments to rapidly pivot economies away from emissions-intensive growth and towards green growth in the COVID-19 recovery, ClimateWorks Australia has developed Growth through transformation: An investment vision guide for climate and development. The guide outlines a five-part process to equip decision-makers with tools to unlock green finance and achieve maximum outcomes with economic recovery, climate and sustainable development. It can help prioritise sectors and industries that have growth and jobs potential over the coming decade, while identifying risks associated with a low-carbon transition.
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