The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8) focuses on promoting economic growth and decent work for all. The goal includes sustaining per capita economic growth, achieving higher productivity through diversification and innovation, and supporting productive activities and entrepreneurship, particularly for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. SDG 8 also aims to improve global resource efficiency and decouple economic growth from environmental degradation, achieve full and productive employment for all, reduce youth unemployment, eradicate forced labor and child labor, protect labor rights and safe working environments, promote sustainable tourism, expand access to financial services, increase Aid for Trade support for developing countries, and develop a global strategy for youth employment in accordance with the Global Jobs Pact of the International Labour Organization.
Achieving decent work and economic growth faces significant challenges in our rapidly changing world. Job automation threatens traditional employment sectors, requiring adaptation and reskilling for the workforce. The persistence of the informal economy in many regions undermines job stability and social protections. Income inequality remains a pressing issue, as the benefits of economic growth often fail to reach marginalized communities. To overcome these challenges, we must invest in education and training to prepare individuals for new job opportunities, formalize informal work, and implement policies that promote equitable income distribution, fostering sustainable economic growth and prosperity for all.
Below are some organizations making contributions to decent work and economic growth.
Employee Wellbeing and Work-Life Balance
Modern Health – Provides personalized mental health and wellbeing programs for companies, addressing employee burnout and improving employee satisfaction and productivity.
Financial Inclusion and Access to Capital
M-Pesa – This mobile money platform revolutionized access to financial services for millions in Africa, enabling payments, savings, and microloans, especially for the unbanked population.
Kiva Zip – Provides microloans to entrepreneurs in underserved communities globally, empowering them to start and grow their businesses and create economic opportunities.
Branch – Branch provides mobile financial services and loans to underserved communities in Africa, promoting financial inclusion and economic empowerment.
Job Creation and Entrepreneurship
Samasource – Offers online work opportunities for individuals in poverty worldwide, connecting them with companies needing data entry, transcription, and other tasks.
Platform-based Hiring and Workforce Management
Upwork – Connects businesses with freelancers and independent professionals for various projects and tasks, providing flexible work options and skill opportunities for individuals.
Gig Wage – Offers wage advance and financial services for gig workers, addressing income security challenges and promoting financial stability for this growing workforce.
Policy and Advocacy for Equitable Economic Growth
National Domestic Workers Alliance – Advocates for the rights and economic justice of domestic workers, promoting fair wages and improved working conditions in this often marginalized sector.
PolicyLink – Conducts research and advocacy to advance policies that promote economic opportunity and social justice, particularly in underserved communities and communities of color.
Technology and Innovation for Decent Work
Talented – Uses AI-powered technology to match businesses with qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds, promoting inclusive hiring practices and reducing bias in recruitment.
HiBob – Offers an HR platform that automates routine tasks and simplifies employee workflows, empowering HR teams and improving employee experience.
JobSeer – Provides real-time job alerts and data-driven insights on salary trends and company culture, helping job seekers make informed career decisions.
Worker Rights and Fair Labor Practices
GoodWeave – Works to ensure ethical production in global supply chains, protecting workers’ rights and promoting fair labor practices in industries like textiles and carpets.
Fair Wear Foundation – Monitors and verifies ethical production practices in garment factories worldwide, promoting transparency and accountability in the fashion industry.
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United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #8 (Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all) is part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Read a review of innovative organizations working across other SDGs.
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