8. Economic Growth
Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all
Why It Matters
Roughly half the world’s population still lives on the equivalent of about NZ$3 a day. And in too many places, having a job doesn’t guarantee the ability to escape from poverty. This slow and uneven progress requires us to rethink and retool our economic and social policies aimed at eradicating poverty.
A continued lack of decent work opportunities, insufficient investments and under-consumption lead to an erosion of the basic social contract underlying democratic societies: that all must share in progress. . The creation of quality jobs will remain a major challenge for almost all economies well beyond 2015.
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. Job opportunities and decent working conditions are also required for the whole working age population.
Facts & Figures
- Global unemployment increased from 170 million in 2007 to nearly 202 million in 2012, of which about 75 million are young women and men.
- Nearly 2.2 billion people live below the NZ$3 poverty line and that poverty eradication is only possible through stable and well-paid jobs.
- 470 million jobs are needed globally for new entrants to the labour market between 2016 and 2030.
Targets
• Offer opportunities for safe, creative work that motivates people’s development.
• Ensure our natural resources are respected and protected in economic activities.
• Promote decent work and safe working environments for all: men and women, youth, people with disabilities, and migrant workers.
• Reduce the number of unemployed youth by increasing access to training.
• Prevent and end forced labour and child labour in all forms.
• Globally, take actions to give more jobs to young people.
Take Action
- Buy only from companies that use sustainable materials, care about the environment and treat workers fairly. Demand that all companies start doing this too.
- Encourage the passage of laws that elevate small businesses and provide job training programs for youth.
- If you are an employer, implement inclusive policies in your workplace that promote diversity.
- Speak up if you know of injustices in your workplace or in other industries.
- Providing youth the best opportunity to transition to a decent job calls for investing in education and training of the highest possible quality, providing youth with skills that match labour market demands, giving them access to social protection and basic services regard- less of their contract type, as well as levelling the playing field so that all aspiring youth can attain productive employment regardless of their gender, income level or socio-economic background.
- Encourage the government to build dynamic, sustainable, innovative and people-centred economies, promoting youth employment and women’s economic empowerment, in particular, and decent work for all.
- Local authorities and communities can renew and plan their cities so as to foster community cohesion and personal security and to stimulate innovation and employment.