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Where We Are
Sustainable Development Goal 8 promotes inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. While global employment has improved, progress is uneven. Real wages have declined, youth unemployment is nearly three times higher than adult rates, and informal work affects around 2 billion workers worldwide. Women continue to face greater obstacles in the labour market, earning just 51 cents for every dollar earned by men.
Accelerating action to boost productivity, close gender gaps, and support inclusive growth is essential to advancing SDG 8.
SDG 8 in Numbers
- Child labour fell to 138 million in 2024, but progress remains far too slow to meet the 2025 elimination target.
- Labour productivity grew 1.5% in 2024, still below pre-pandemic levels and off track for SDG 8.
- Youth unemployment reached 12.9% in 2024, three times higher than adults, with young women most affected.
- Labour rights protections weakened globally, with compliance falling 7% between 2015 and 2023.
“Inclusive, fair and broad-based economic growth is our best weapon against poverty, hunger and unemployment.”
– António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, 26 November 2025
In Focus
World Economic Situations and Prospects Report 2026 | 8 January
Published by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the World Economic Situation and Prospects 2026 provides a comprehensive global and regional economic outlook for the year ahead. Geopolitical tensions, policy uncertainty, fiscal constraints and weaker trade continue to cloud prospects, despite greater-than-expected resilience. The report highlights the urgent need for global cooperation, economic diversification, stronger labour markets and inclusive growth to advance progress towards the SDGs.
Employment and Social Trends 2026 | 14 January
This publication by the International Labour Organization (ILO) analyses global patterns, regional differences and outcomes across groups of workers. Part of the World of work Series, the report also offers labour market projections for 2026 and 2027 and presents trends in key indicators – such as labour force participation, employment growth and informality – and analyses their contributions to observed decent work deficits.
Highlights
Marine Biodiversity Treaty enters into force | 17 January
The entry into force of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement marks a new chapter in ocean governance. It creates new opportunities for sustainable economic growth through marine biodiversity conservation and equitable benefit-sharing, which is vital for coastal and island economies. Read more.
80th anniversary of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) | 23 January
ECOSOC is the central organ established under the Charter of the United Nations to promote international cooperation in economic, social, cultural, educational, and health matters. As one of the principal organs of the United Nations, ECOSOC carries the mandate to coordinate the work of the UN system, provide a platform for dialogue, and mobilize action to advance peace, prosperity, and sustainable development. Read more.
2026 United Nations Water Conference High-Level Preparatory Meeting| 26-27 January
Taking place in Dakar, the High-Level Meeting brings together global water stakeholders to prepare for the United Nations Water Conference, co-organized by Senegal and the United Arab Emirates, scheduled for December 2026. The Meeting will initiate discussions and facilitate the alignment of actors around the six themes of the interactive dialogues of Conference and be a key moment to foster partnerships. Registration is open until 12 January 2026. Read more.
ECOSOC Partnership Forum | 27 January
The 2026 ECOSOC Partnership Forum will be held on 27 January 2026 at UN Headquarters in New York, under the theme “Transformative, equitable, innovative and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for a sustainable future for all.” The Forum will spotlight the Sustainable Development Goals under in-depth review at the 2026 High-level Political Forum. Read more
International Days and Years
24 | International Day of Education
26 | International Day of Clean Energy
Special mention
2026-2035 Sustainable Transport Decade
ACTNOW for our Common Future
ActNow is the United Nations campaign to inspire people to act for the Sustainable Development Goals. The Goals can improve life for all of us. Safer cities. Equality. A Just Society. A peaceful world. These issues matter to everyone. But progress is too slow. We have to act, urgently, to accelerate changes that add up to better lives on a healthier planet. Join the campaign to learn — and do — more for #OurCommonFuture. Visit ActNow: https://www.un.org/actnow
NEW Season! Awake at Night Podcast
From armed conflicts and climate disasters to food insecurity and mass displacement, overlapping crises are placing immense strain on our world and its people. Wherever and whenever crisis hits, United Nations staff are on the ground saving lives and negotiating at the highest levels to alleviate suffering, despite shrinking resources. This work is only possible due to the personal sacrifices made every day by UN workers around the world. Join UN chief communicator Melissa Fleming as she gets to know the extraordinary people behind the Organization in Season 12 of Awake at Night.
Discover all the episodes and previous seasons here -> https://pod.link/1429922419