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SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

SDG 8 is concerned with inclusive and sustainable economic growth and decent work. Each year
the global unemployment rate continues to rise, and the situation has worsened with the onset of
the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine crisis. Without decent work, people are exposed to the
risks many other SDGs covers, such as poverty, hunger, unsatisfactory living conditions, and

losing good health. The purpose of this Goal is to stimulate economic growth through higher
productivity and technological innovation. Promoting policies that encourage entrepreneurship
and the creation of new jobs are key here, as well as effective measures to eradicate forced labor,
slavery, and human trafficking. This subchapter looks at 12 targets and provides a current outlook
on economic growth and equal work opportunities.

● Targets, means of implementation and data
The eighth goal reads: “Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and
productive employment and decent work for all“, and is supported by 12 targets as follows:

8.1 Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances and, in particular,
at least 7 per cent gross domestic product growth per annum in the least developed countries

8.2 Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and
innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labor-intensive sectors
8.3 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
8.4 Improve progressively, through 2030, global resource efficiency in consumption and production
and endeavor to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation, in accordance with the

10-Year Framework of Programs on Sustainable Consumption and Production, with developed
countries taking the lead
8.5 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.

8.6 By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training
8.7 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
8.8 Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including
migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment

8.9 By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and
promotes local culture and products

8.10 Strengthen the capacity of domestic financial institutions to encourage and expand access to
banking, insurance and financial services for all

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