Over the past 25 years the number of workers living in extreme poverty has declined dramatically, despite the lasting impacts of the 2008 economic crisis and global recession. In developing countries, the middle class now makes up more than 34 percent of the total workforce – a number which has almost tripled between 1991 and 2015.
Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Promote Sustained, Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth, Full and Productive Employment and Decent Work for All.
However, as the global economy continues to recover, we are witnessing slower growth, widening inequalities, and a reduction in the number of jobs available globally. According to the International Labour Organization, more than 204 million people were unemployed in 2015.
The SDGs promote sustainable economic growth, higher levels of productivity and technological innovation. Achieving such objectives will require countries to encourage entrepreneurship and job creation as well as an international commitment to the eradication of forced labour, slavery and human trafficking.
With such targets in mind, the goal is to achieve long-term and sustainable employment for all women and men by 2030.
Facts and figures
5%An estimated 172 million people worldwide were without work in 2018 - an unemployment rate of 5 percent.
1 millionAs a result of an expanding labour force, the number of unemployed is projected to increase by 1 million every year and reach 174 million by 2020.
700 millionSome 700 million workers lived in extreme or moderate poverty in 2018, with less than US$3.20 per day.
48%Women’s participation in the labour force stood at 48 per cent in 2018, compared with 75 percent for men. Around 3 in 5 of the 3.5 billion people in the labour force in 2018 were men.
2 billionOverall, 2 billion workers were in informal employment in 2016, accounting for 61 per cent of the world’s workforce.
85 millionMany more women than men are underutilized in the labour force—85 million compared to 55 million.
