Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

This goal aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.

Sustainable economic growth requires societies to create the conditions that allow people to have quality jobs, without harming the environment. There must also be opportunities for people to access the skills and education necessary for productive employment.

Key aspects and targets of Goal 8 include:

Sustaining per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances and, in particular, at least 7 percent gross domestic product growth per annum in the least developed countries.
Taking 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.
Protecting labor rights and promoting safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment.

SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH

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.

DIVERSIFY, INNOVATE AND UPGRADE FOR ECONOMIC PRODUCTIVITY

Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labour-intensive sectors.

PROMOTE POLICIES TO SUPPORT JOB CREATION AND GROWING ENTERPRISES

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 RESOURCE EFFICIENCY IN CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION

Improve progressively, through 2030, global resource efficiency in consumption and production and endeavour to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation, in accordance with the 10‑Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production, with developed countries taking the lead.

EXPAND AND UPGRADE ENERGY SERVICES FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

By 2030, expand infrastructure and upgrade technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy services for all in developing countries, in particular least developed countries, small island developing States and landlocked developing countries, in accordance with their respective programmes of support.

END MODERN SLAVERY, TRAFFICKING AND CHILD LABOUR

Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labour in all its forms.