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SDG 8: Decent Work

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
SDG Goal

SDG 8 aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. Despite economic advancements, unemployment and poor working conditions remain critical issues, especially in developing regions.

How engineering can make it happen

Engineering is now recognized as an essential enabler of economic growth, evidenced by the positive relationship between economic growth and the number of engineers in a country. Roads, railways, airports, telecommunications, and the supply of water and electricity are essential infrastructure underpinning all economies. This infrastructure is designed, developed, and maintained by civil, mechanical, electrical, and environmental engineers. Engineers are also responsible for such basic amenities as clean water, energy, and housing, enabling citizens to maintain healthy and therefore productive lives, and to engage in decent work.

Film courtesy of the Royal Academy of Engineers

Global progress

  • Global economic growth is falling short. GDP per capita growth is projected to slow to just 1.5% in 2025 due to heightened trade tensions and policy uncertainty. Real GDP growth in LDCs remains well below the 7% target. Weak productivity growth and declining labour rights compliance further undermine decent-work progress.
  • While the unemployment rate fell to a record low of 5.0% in 2024, nearly 58% of workers remained informally employed, with persistently high rates in LDCs and sub-Saharan Africa. Youth and women continued to face particularly elevated unemployment and NEET (not in education, employment, or training) rates.
  • To achieve decent work for all, governments must accelerate comprehensive strategies including formalization pathways for informal workers, enhanced social protection systems, strengthened labour rights enforcement, and investments in green and digital economy initiatives, while ensuring equitable access to finance and economic opportunities, particularly as global economic uncertainties intensify.

Source: https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/report/2025/

Key Stats

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