SDG #8 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. More than 204 million people were unemployed in 2015.

Encouraging entrepreneurship and job creation are the key to promoting stable economic growth, higher levels of productivity, and technological innovation. Seeing this in action by 2030 would mean we are succeeding at achieving this SDG. These are important because as they grow, forced labour, slavery and human trafficking decrease. The goal is to achieve full and productive employment, and decent work, for all women and men by 2030.