To guarantee people the access to decent work and to the productive employment are key factors in achieving a fair and equitable globalization. reduce povertyThe International Labor Organization.
The ILO defines the concept of decent work such as the opportunity for people to have access to productive employment that generates a fair income, security in the workplace and social protection for all, better prospects for personal development and social integration, freedom for individuals to express their opinions, organize and participate in the decisions that affect their lives, and equality of opportunity and treatment for all, women and men.
"Productive employment and decent work are key factors in achieving fair globalization and reducing poverty. The ILO has developed an agenda for the community of work that is based on job creation, rights at work, social protection and social dialogue, with gender equality as a cross-cutting objective," the agency emphasizes.
The global outlook
According to the ILO, inequalities are reaching unprecedented levels. Global employment growth will be only 1.0% in 2023, less than half that in 2022. Global unemployment is expected to rise by about 3 million this year, to 208 million.
"The cost-of-living crisis is pushing more people into poverty, including working poverty. Among the most vulnerable workers are 200 million people living in absolute poverty and 2 billion in the informal economy, where they often lack legal rights or social protection," the agency says.
This global picture also masks important geographical imbalances. For example, in low-income countries, employment is not expected to return to pre-pandemic levels this year. In those regions where unemployment is now below pre-crisis levels, our analysis shows that this is mainly due to a shift to the informal economy, which is likely to postpone rather than solve workers' problems.
The importance of achieving SDG 8 targets
Promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment, and decent work for all is the Sustainable Development Goal 8.
It is relevant because it is the only SDG that combines social, economic and environmental goals, and therefore has an impact on all the other SDGs. Agenda 2030.
This SDG is based on four pillars:
- Job creation
- Social protection
- Rights at work
- Social Dialogue
The International Labor Organization stresses that to fulfill the promise of SDG 8, it is necessary to restore faith in multilateralism and global cooperation.
"In a globalized economy, developing countries cannot be expected to act alone. We need international solidarity if we are to make a practical difference. The creation of universal social protection systems is one example. These can alleviate poverty, reduce vulnerability and inequalities, and help manage conflict and social tensions," he stresses.
To achieve this goal, humanitarian aid must be targeted in a way that supports social protection systems and strengthens state capacity, he adds.
To bring together all the components of this approach, clear and transparent policies and actions must be in place and ensure that they are considered fair. This is why the ILO is convening a Global Coalition for Social Justice.
Source: ILO
