Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all

Achieving Goal 8 faces major hurdles as geopolitical tensions strain the global economy, bringing supply chain disruptions, volatile energy prices, and reduced trade. Although global real GDP per capita rebounded in 2021, it slowed in 2022 and is projected to stabilize at around 1.9% through 2027. Furthermore, while the global unemployment rate fell to a record low of 4.9% in 2025, nearly 58% of workers remain informally employed, with rates remaining persistently high in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and sub-Saharan Africa.

To ensure sustained and inclusive economic growth, we must expand job opportunities for young people, reduce informal employment, close the gender pay gap, protect workers’ rights, and improve access to financial services. Accelerating this progress requires sustainable economic policies that support entrepreneurship and innovation, secure social justice, and open up inclusive employment opportunities, particularly for women and youth.

What does “decent work” mean?

Decent work means productive opportunities for everyone that deliver a fair income, workplace security, social protection for families, and robust prospects for personal development and social integration.

What are the challenges?

A persistent lack of decent work, under-consumption, and low investment erode the basic social contract that everyone should share in economic progress. Creating high-quality jobs remains a primary challenge for nearly all economies.

Achieving Goal 8 requires a major reform of the global financial system to address rising debt, economic uncertainty, and trade tensions while championing fair pay and stable jobs. Ultimately, sustained and inclusive economic growth is essential to drive progress, raise living standards, and create decent work for all.

How many people are unemployed?

Although the global unemployment rate hit a record low of 4.9% in 2025, systemic disparities remain. Young people aged 15 to 24 face severe difficulties securing employment. In 2024, 259 million youth—one in five globally—were not in education, employment, or training. Young women face the greatest barriers, being twice as likely to find themselves in this position as young men.

What can we do to fix these issues?

Helping young people transition into decent jobs requires investing in high-quality education and training that matches labor market demands. We must also secure their access to social protection and basic services while leveling the playing field so all youth can thrive, regardless of gender, income or background.

Governments can build dynamic, people-centered economies that actively empower women and youth. Enforcing strong health and safety standards is fundamental to protecting all workers, especially those in healthcare and essential services.