Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all is the eight-goal presented by the United Nations organization under a strategy called Sustainable Development Goals.
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 see slower growth, widening inequalities, and insufficient jobs to keep up with a growing labor 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 labor, 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.
Sustainable Economic Growth – Goal Targets
Sustain per capita economic growth by national circumstances and, in particular, at least 7 percent 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 labor-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 endeavor to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation, by the 10-year framework of programs 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 labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labor in all its forms.
Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, 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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