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Upon revisiting our previous analysis of SDG8 in corporate economic development from an ethical perspective, we will now examine how government policies under the framework of SDG8 address the ethical challenges presented by inadequate working conditions. SDG8 aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, as well as full and productive employment and decent work for all, through the promotion of equal opportunities, fair labor practices, and global economic advancement. This goal encompasses economic, social, and environmental aspects while also striving to advance gender equality by ensuring equitable access to employment opportunities and proper compensation for all individuals, including men, women, youth, and persons with disabilities (United Nations 2024). This study endeavors to integrate peer-reviewed articles with practical challenges related to poor working conditions in conjunction with ethical theory and SDGs in order to propose solutions and identify relevant business employment opportunities. Additionally it seeks to present further perspectives on the matter.

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Child Labour encompasses all forms of labor, whether compensated or uncompensated, performed by individuals below the legally stipulated minimum working age. For example, in China, child labor refers to children or young workers under the age of 16.

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Decent work denotes employment opportunities that ensure equitable remuneration, a secure occupational environment, social welfare provisions, personal advancement, and societal inclusion.

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Real GDP per capita represents the total market value of all final goods produced in the current year using the previous year as the base period for price calculation; this figure is then divided by the actual population to yield a per capita measure. This metric captures fluctuations in economic output over two distinct time frames and computes the aggregate value of goods manufactured during those periods at constant prices or quantities to more accurately gauge living standards and economic circumstances.

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After summarizing the peer-reviewed articles of the group members, they can be roughly divided into two categories. Firstly, Wu Mengqing, Yang Yiqun, and Li Tianyu all emphasized the importance of equality in achieving SDG8 and how it impacts ethical behavior and sustainable practices in businesses. Although each article may have different research focuses and methods - for example, Wu Mengqing and Li Tianyu focusing on gender equality while Yang Yiqun focuses on fair labor conditions - they share common concerns and goals across disciplines. They emphasize that gender diversity can enhance a company's profitability and innovation capabilities, as well as explore promoting gender equality through ethical business practices. Secondly, Chen Zhuowen and Zhang Xiaojia discussed the impact of management behavior on achieving SDG8. Both discussed the influence of corporate management behavior on the economy. For example, Chen Zhuowen focused on CSR's contribution to economic growth while Zhang Xiaojia focused on the negative impact of corruption and bribery on the economy. In addition, both mentioned the role of policies and regulations in addressing business ethics issues - for instance, Chen Zhuowen mentioned India's National Guidelines for Responsible Business Conduct (NGRBC), while Zhang Xiaojia mentioned the United Nations Convention against Corruption. In conclusion, only by clearly formulating government policies can decently work and economic development be achieved to a greater extent nationwide; This is also what our research topic involves.

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The ethical challenges posed by poor working conditions within the framework of SDG 8 are starkly evident in the real world, particularly in developing countries and among socio-economic groups such as blue-collar workers. The journal article “Review of the Concepts of Ethics and Morals in Light of SDG 8” delves into these issues, emphasizing the promotion of full employment and decent work as a priority for political action. It states, 'The promotion of full employment and decent work, together with the safeguarding of labor rights and a safe working environment, should be prioritized.' ( Gómez de Segura&Schroeder, 2023) This highlights the global nature of the problem and the moral imperative for businesses to address these issues.

Utilitarianism, as discussed in the article, would argue for actions that maximize overall happiness, which in this context means improving working conditions to increase the well-being of the workforce. Kantian ethics, on the other hand, emphasizes the inherent dignity of individuals, requiring businesses to respect workers’ rights and provide safe working environments regardless of the economic benefits. The article synthesizes these views, suggesting that ‘Ethics’ should be defined as the set of rules preserving the lives of other individuals, while 'Morals ' preserves the cohesion of groups.( Gómez de Segura et. al. , 2023)

Government statistics and journal articles reveal the severity of these challenges. For instance, the ILO reports that nearly 2.3 million work-related deaths occur annually, with a significant number in developing nations, underscoring the urgency of ethical reform in workplace safety and health. ( International Labour Organization, 2023) These statistics underscore the moral challenges that businesses face in ensuring decent work conditions, as neglecting these responsibilities can lead to dire consequences for workers’ health and well-being.

In conclusion, the moral challenges associated with SDG 8 are pressing and require businesses to act in accordance with ethical theories such as utilitarianism and Kantian ethics, as well as to respond to the empirical evidence presented by government statistics. The article by Gómez de Segura and Schroeder provides a comprehensive framework for understanding these challenges and the ethical obligations of businesses in the context of sustainable development and decent work.( Gómez de Segura et. al. , 2023)

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Utilitarianism focuses on action consequences, aiming to maximize overall happiness. For work conditions, businesses and governments should adopt policies for the greatest good of most workers. This improves conditions, leading to a content and productive workforce, contributing to societal and economic well - being.

Kantian ethics highlights the dignity of individuals. Moral actions come from a sense of duty. In work, employers must respect and provide safe conditions for workers, regardless of economic benefits. The categorical imperative implies all workers deserve fair and safe conditions.

Though not in the article, Social Contract Theory is relevant. It suggests government legitimacy is based on consent. In work related to SDG 8, there's an implicit contract among employers, employees, and the state for productive, fair, and decent work. Businesses and governments have an obligation to uphold the contract by protecting workers' rights and promoting growth for all. These theories help address moral challenges for SDG 8, focusing on workers' well - being, dignity, and the social contract.

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*Gómez de Segura, R. B., & Schroeder, M. J. (2023). Review of the Concepts of Ethics and Morals in Light of SDG 8. Philosophies, 8(4), 61. https://doi.org/10.3390/philosophies8040061

Hadush, A. Z., & Katheriyar, M. S. R. M. (2023). Effect of teachers’ gender, poor income, and poor working condition on teacher turnover intention and its impact in Saharti District, Tigray, Ethiopia. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 8, 100576. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2023.100576

International Labour Organization. (2024). Child Labour

https://www.ilo.org/global/topics/child-labour/lang--en/index.htm

Our World in Data team. (2023). Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. Our World in Data. https://ourworldindata.org/sdgs/economic-growth

Occupational Safety and Health Administration https://www.osha.gov/

Official SDGs Website. (2024). Department of Economic and Social Affairs https://sdgs.un.org

Shaw, W., Barry, V., & Muntean, D. (2020). Moral issues in business.

United Nations. (2023). Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being. United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/health/

United Nations. (2023). SDG 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. United Nations Sustainable Development.

https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/gender-equality/

United Nations Western Europe. (2024). Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls https://unric.org/en/sdg-5/

United Nations. (2023). Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Department of Economic and Social Affairs. https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal8

United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. (2024) . Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal8

Unicef. (2024). Children in Gaza need life-saving support https://www.unicef.org/

World Health Organization. (2024). Climate change and health https://www.who.int/

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According to our survey and research, poor working conditions, especially low pay, child labor, and health and safety in the workplace, are important links to the SDG8. Based on the goals for SDG8 mentioned above, we found that the poor working conditions directly contradict this goal, denying workers the right to safe working conditions and fair pay, and greatly affecting the sustainable development of the global economy. In exploring the impact of poor working conditions on decent work, Hadush and Katheriyar found that poor working conditions significantly increased teacher turnover intentions and turnover impact. (Hadush et al., 2023) Teaching is a stable and decent job worldwide, but turnover rates have increased significantly due to varying degrees of poor working conditions.

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In addition, the relevant United Nations organizations have specified in SDG 8, Target 8.7to ensure that the worst forms of child labor are prohibited and eliminated. Child Labor and workplace health and safety are in direct contravention of this sub-objective. Furthermore, the poor working conditions are also contrary to SDG3: Health and well-being (United Nation, 2023) and SDG5: Gender Equality (United Nation, 2023). SDG3 aims to ensure healthy lives and promote the well-being of people of all ages, and health and safety issues directly affect the health and well-being of workers. SDG5 aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls, while low pay and poor working conditions can exacerbate gender inequality, especially when these conditions disproportionately affect female workers.

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Progress towards achieving SDG8 has been challenging and the world is far from reaching most of the targets. The lingering effects of COVID-19, cost-of-living crises, trade tensions, uncertain monetary policy paths, rising debts in developing countries, and the war in Ukraine can each significantly set back global economic growth. Combined, these crises are placing the global economy under a serious threat. Global real GDP per capita is forecast to slow down in 2023, putting at risk not just employment and income but also advances in equitable pay for women and decent work for young people. Achieving SDG8 will require a wholesale reform of our morally bankrupt financial system in order to tackle rising debts, economic uncertainties and trade tensions, while promoting equitable pay and decent work for young people.

* Target 8.1: Following a sharp decline of 4.1% in 2020, global real GDP per capita increased by 5.0% in 2021. However, growth in global real GDP per capita is forecast to slow down to 2.1% in 2022 and further to 1.0% in 2023, before recovering somewhat to a growth rate of 1.8% in 2024. The growth in real GDP of LDCs slowed down from 5% in 2019 to just 0.2% in 2020 before recovering to 2.6% in 2021. It is expected that the growth in real GDP of LDCs would strengthen to 4.3% in 2022 and to 4.4% and 5.4% in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
* Target 8.2: After a sharp decline in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, labour productivity rebounded in 2021 by 2.4%. Productivity growth slowed in 2022, increasing by only 0.5%. However, even before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, productivity growth had been slowing around the world. The latest estimates extend the downward growth trend, from an average annual rate of 1.8% between 2000-14 to 1.4% between 2015-22.
* Target 8.3: Globally, 58.0% of those employed were in informal employment in 2022, amounting to around 2 billion workers in precarious jobs, most lacking any form of social protection. Prior to the onset of the pandemic, the incidence of informal employment had been slowly declining and stood at 57.8% in 2019. The pandemic resulted in a disproportionate job loss for informal workers, particularly for women, in 2020. The subsequent recovery from COVID-19 has been driven by informal employment, which has caused a slight increase in the incidence of informality.
* Target 8.5: Equal treatment in employment, including fair and equitable earnings, is fundamental for achieving decent work for all. The median gender pay gap across 102 countries is approximately 14%. However, this calculation is only based on average hourly earnings, thus not controlling for characteristics such as the sector or occupation, educational level or amount of work experience.
* Target 8.5: The global unemployment rate declined significantly in 2022, falling to 5.8% from a peak of 6.9% in 2020 as economies began recovering from the shock of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite an uncertain global economic outlook, unemployment is projected to increase only moderately, as a large part of the shock is being absorbed by falling real wages in an environment of accelerating inflation. Global unemployment is projected to edge up slightly in 2023, by around 3 million, to reach 208 million, corresponding to an unemployment rate of 5.8%.
* Target 8.6: Globally, nearly one in four (23.5%) young people were not in education, employment, or training (NEET) in 2022. Although this is a slight decrease since 2020, when the NEET rate was at an all-time high, it remains above the 2015 baseline of 22.2% and a long way from the 2030 target.
* Target 8.7: The latest estimates indicate that the number of children in child labour rose to 160 million worldwide at the beginning of 2020 - an increase of 8.4 million children in the last four years. This translates to almost 1 in 10 of all children in child labour worldwide.
* Target 8.9: The share of tourism in global GDP nearly halved in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021 data shows a very modest 6% upturn, indicating that tourism's economic contribution is on the path to recovery.
* Target 8.10: Accelerated adoption of digital solutions is transforming access to finance. Globally, in 2021, 76% of adults had an account at a bank or regulated institution such as a credit union, microfinance institution, or a mobile money service provider, an increase from 62% in 2014.

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Goal 8 | Department of Economic and Social Affairs

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

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Based on these issues, relevant UN organizations are also actively working to improve poor working conditions globally. This has achieved some results, but it also faces some challenges. According to the UN, the global economy achieved 5.3% real GDP growth per capita in 2021, although growth slowed to 2.2% in 2022 and is expected to slow further to 1.0% in 2023. United Nations. (2023). This indicates that SDG 8 has had some success in boosting economic growth, but the slowdown in growth may affect the recovery of the job market. But many workers around the world face significant risks in the workplace, and workplace accidents remain common. Of the 93 countries for which data are available, 11 reported work-related deaths of more than 10 per 100,000 workers. Our World in Data team. (2023).

In summary, SDG8 has important implications for global sustainable development, so to achieve this goal, we need countries to work together and take stronger measures.

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

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Sustainable Development Goals Tracker for SDG 8

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Milton Friedman’s economic ideas are quite influential. He believed that controlling the money supply is key to managing inflation, as too much money can lead to rising prices. He also argued that people’s spending habits are not just about their current income but are based on their long-term income expectations. Furthermore, he introduced the concept that there’s a certain level of unemployment that can’t be eliminated by government policies, which he called the natural rate of unemployment.

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Deterrence theory is about preventing conflicts through the threat of retaliation. It’s like a chess game where one player shows they have a strong defense, convincing the other not to make a move. If one side believes that the cost of an attack would be too high due to the potential response, they might decide it’s not worth it and maintain the status quo.

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The efficiency wage theory is about paying workers more than the market rate to get more out of them. It’s like giving a carrot instead of a stick. By offering higher wages, employers can motivate their staff to work more efficiently, which can ultimately save costs and increase productivity. This theory also helps explain why wages sometimes don’t drop even when there’s unemployment, as employers might believe that lower wages would lead to less motivated and less productive workers.

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Efficiency Wages: Definition and Reasons Behind Them

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Efficiency wages occur when employers pay higher than the minimum to attract skilled workers, boost productivity, and increase loyalty.

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When addressing unethical working conditions, such as low wages, child labour, and health and safety in the workplace, it is essential to recognize alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. This goal emphasizes the importance of promoting sustainable, inclusive and effective economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. Addressing these working conditions is a critical step towards a better and more sustainable future.

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A survey of individuals studying within the realm of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) revealed that the business employment market presents job prospects in fields such as environmental management, social innovation, international development, policy advocacy, and corporate social responsibility (CSR). These sectors are increasingly recognized as crucial for attaining long-term sustainability and offer employment opportunities in both private and public domains. The following are two job advertisements related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) found through VU Employ and online resources.

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For a deeper look at the reality of these issues, it is useful to refer to the International Labour Organization (ILO) report, which provides comprehensive data and analysis on the global Labour situation. The international labor organization of the global estimate about child labor and forced labor provides about child labor and forced labor common all over the world. Such data are essential to understand the scope of the problem and to inform policy decisions that can lead to tangible improvements in working conditions.

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Optimized sentence: Gender equality officials play a crucial role in advocating for gender parity and the empowerment of women and girls. Their responsibilities include raising public awareness about gender inequality, collaborating with various stakeholders to break down barriers, and monitoring progress through data collection and analysis. Moreover, they play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative around gender issues by highlighting achievements of women, challenging discriminatory norms, and advocating for policy changes that promote gender equality. Their work is not just about numbers and policies; it’s about changing hearts and minds, fostering a culture of respect and equality.

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UNICEF's work

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children's lives, to defend their rights, and to help them fulfil their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. And we never give up.

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UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories to reach the most disadvantaged children and adolescents - and to protect the rights of every child, everywhere.

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Workplace health and safety is essential for any organization, as it directly impacts the well-being and productivity of employees. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) plays a crucial role in ensuring that employers provide safe and healthy working conditions for their workers by setting and enforcing standards to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities through inspections, training, outreach, education, and assistance. Additionally, OSHA requires employers to keep records of work-related injuries and illnesses to identify potential hazards promptly. Furthermore, OSHA regulations cover various industries such as construction, manufacturing, healthcare facilities, agriculture, maritime operations etc., constantly updating to adapt to new technologies or emerging risks.

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Home | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

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Department of Labor seeks nominations for vacant position on Federal Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health

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Optimized sentence: The World Health Organization (WHO) stresses the crucial role of patient safety in ensuring high-quality healthcare for all individuals. It is not only a fundamental principle of health care, but also a significant global public health challenge that requires urgent attention and action.

In addition to patient safety, workplace health and safety are equally important for the well-being of workers. Ensuring a safe and healthy work environment not only protects employees from potential hazards and accidents, but also contributes to their overall physical and mental well-being. Employers have a responsibility to prioritize workplace health and safety measures to create a conducive environment for their employees to thrive.

Furthermore, promoting workplace health and safety can lead to increased productivity, reduced absenteeism due to illness or injury, and improved employee morale. It is essential for organizations to implement comprehensive policies and procedures that address potential risks in the workplace while providing adequate training and resources for employees to maintain their own safety.

Overall, recognizing the importance of both patient safety in healthcare settings as well as workplace health and safety is crucial in addressing global public health challenges effectively. By prioritizing these areas, we can strive towards creating healthier environments for both patients seeking care and workers contributing to various industries worldwide.

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The United Nations agency working to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable.

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These resources not only shed light on the current state of labor conditions, but also provide a framework for understanding and addressing the ethical challenges associated with poor work environments. By linking these issues to the SDGS, we can work towards a more fair and just global economy that values human dignity and well-being in the workplace. Through collective action and commitment to these goals, we can make significant progress in improving global working conditions.

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Occupational health and safety specialist

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Occupational health and safety specialist

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Occupational health and safety specialists play a crucial role in ensuring that workplaces are safe and healthy for employees. They are dedicated to promoting Sustainable Development Goal 8, which aims to promote decent work and economic growth. In order to achieve this goal, occupational health and safety specialists focus on identifying potential risks in the workplace that could lead to accidents or health issues.

Their responsibilities also include developing and implementing safety policies, procedures, and training programs to minimize the risk of injury or illness. This involves staying up-to-date with regulations and best practices in occupational health and safety, as well as conducting compliance inspections and audits.

In the event of an accident or hazard, these specialists investigate the root causes in order to propose corrective actions. By promoting a culture of safety within organizations, they aim to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses.

Overall, their dedication to creating safe work environments contributes not only to the well-being of employees but also to the overall productivity and success of businesses.

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Progress towards achieving SDG8 has been challenging and the world is far from reaching most of the targets. The lingering effects of COVID-19, cost-of-living crises, trade tensions, uncertain monetary policy paths, rising debts in developing countries, and the war in Ukraine can each significantly set back global economic growth. Combined, these crises are placing the global economy under a serious threat. Global real GDP per capita is forecast to slow down in 2023, putting at risk not just employment and income but also advances in equitable pay for women and decent work for young people. Achieving SDG8 will require a wholesale reform of our morally bankrupt financial system in order to tackle rising debts, economic uncertainties and trade tensions, while promoting equitable pay and decent work for young people.

* Target 8.1: Following a sharp decline of 4.1% in 2020, global real GDP per capita increased by 5.0% in 2021. However, growth in global real GDP per capita is forecast to slow down to 2.1% in 2022 and further to 1.0% in 2023, before recovering somewhat to a growth rate of 1.8% in 2024. The growth in real GDP of LDCs slowed down from 5% in 2019 to just 0.2% in 2020 before recovering to 2.6% in 2021. It is expected that the growth in real GDP of LDCs would strengthen to 4.3% in 2022 and to 4.4% and 5.4% in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
* Target 8.2: After a sharp decline in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, labour productivity rebounded in 2021 by 2.4%. Productivity growth slowed in 2022, increasing by only 0.5%. However, even before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, productivity growth had been slowing around the world. The latest estimates extend the downward growth trend, from an average annual rate of 1.8% between 2000-14 to 1.4% between 2015-22.
* Target 8.3: Globally, 58.0% of those employed were in informal employment in 2022, amounting to around 2 billion workers in precarious jobs, most lacking any form of social protection. Prior to the onset of the pandemic, the incidence of informal employment had been slowly declining and stood at 57.8% in 2019. The pandemic resulted in a disproportionate job loss for informal workers, particularly for women, in 2020. The subsequent recovery from COVID-19 has been driven by informal employment, which has caused a slight increase in the incidence of informality.
* Target 8.5: Equal treatment in employment, including fair and equitable earnings, is fundamental for achieving decent work for all. The median gender pay gap across 102 countries is approximately 14%. However, this calculation is only based on average hourly earnings, thus not controlling for characteristics such as the sector or occupation, educational level or amount of work experience.
* Target 8.5: The global unemployment rate declined significantly in 2022, falling to 5.8% from a peak of 6.9% in 2020 as economies began recovering from the shock of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite an uncertain global economic outlook, unemployment is projected to increase only moderately, as a large part of the shock is being absorbed by falling real wages in an environment of accelerating inflation. Global unemployment is projected to edge up slightly in 2023, by around 3 million, to reach 208 million, corresponding to an unemployment rate of 5.8%.
* Target 8.6: Globally, nearly one in four (23.5%) young people were not in education, employment, or training (NEET) in 2022. Although this is a slight decrease since 2020, when the NEET rate was at an all-time high, it remains above the 2015 baseline of 22.2% and a long way from the 2030 target.
* Target 8.7: The latest estimates indicate that the number of children in child labour rose to 160 million worldwide at the beginning of 2020 - an increase of 8.4 million children in the last four years. This translates to almost 1 in 10 of all children in child labour worldwide.
* Target 8.9: The share of tourism in global GDP nearly halved in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021 data shows a very modest 6% upturn, indicating that tourism's economic contribution is on the path to recovery.
* Target 8.10: Accelerated adoption of digital solutions is transforming access to finance. Globally, in 2021, 76% of adults had an account at a bank or regulated institution such as a credit union, microfinance institution, or a mobile money service provider, an increase from 62% in 2014.

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Goal 8 | Department of Economic and Social Affairs

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

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Gender equality officials play a pivotal role in the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 5 by advocating for gender parity and empowering women and girls. They are dedicated to eradicating discrimination, fostering equal opportunities, and ensuring representation in leadership roles, all of which contribute to the empowerment of women and girls. Their primary duties encompass the development and implementation of gender equality policies and programs, conducting gender analysis and research to identify areas for improvement, as well as providing training and capacity building to promote gender-sensitive practices.

In addition to these responsibilities, gender equality officials also work towards creating awareness about issues related to gender inequality through public outreach campaigns, workshops, and educational initiatives. They collaborate with various stakeholders including government agencies, non-profit organizations, businesses, and community groups to address systemic barriers that hinder progress towards achieving gender equality.

Furthermore, they monitor progress towards achieving gender equality goals by collecting data on key indicators such as access to education, healthcare services, economic opportunities, political participation, and decision-making positions. This information is used to inform policy decisions and drive targeted interventions aimed at closing existing gaps between men and women.

Overall, the work of gender equality officials is essential in promoting a more inclusive society where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive regardless of their gender. Their efforts contribute significantly towards building a more just world where women's rights are respected and upheld.

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Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.

There has been progress over the last decades: More girls are going to school, fewer girls are forced into early marriage, more women are serving in parliament and positions of leadership, and laws are being reformed to advance gender equality.

Despite these gains, many challenges remain: discriminatory laws and social norms remain pervasive, women continue to be underrepresented at all levels of political leadership, and 1 in 5 women and girls between the ages of 15 and 49 report experiencing physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner within a 12-month period.

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic could reverse the limited progress that has been made on gender equality and women's rights. The coronavirus outbreak exacerbates existing inequalities for women and girls across every sphere - from health and the economy, to security and social protection.

Women play a disproportionate role in responding to the virus, including as frontline healthcare workers and carers at home. Women's unpaid care work has increased significantly as a result of school closures and the increased needs of older people. Women are also harder hit by the economic impacts of COVID-19, as they disproportionately work in insecure labour markets. Nearly 60 per cent of women work in the informal economy, which puts them at greater risk of falling into poverty.

The pandemic has also led to a steep increase in violence against women and girls. With lockdown measures in place, many women are trapped at home with their abusers, struggling to access services that are suffering from cuts and restrictions. Emerging data shows that, since the outbreak of the pandemic, violence against women and girls - and particularly domestic violence - has intensified.

5.1 End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere

5.2 Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation

5.3 Eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation

5.4 Recognize and value unpaid care and domestic work through the provision of public services, infrastructure and social protection policies and the promotion of shared responsibility within the household and the family as nationally appropriate

5.5 Ensure women's full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decisionmaking in political, economic and public life

5.6 Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences

5.A Undertake reforms to give women equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to ownership and control over land and other forms of property, financial services, inheritance and natural resources, in accordance with national laws

5.B Enhance the use of enabling technology, in particular information and communications technology, to promote the empowerment of women

5.C Adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls at all levels

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Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 5) | United Nations Western Europe

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Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world. There has been progress over the last decades: More girls are going to school, fewer girls are forced into early marriage, more women are serving in parliament and positions of leadership, and laws are being reformed to advance gender equality.

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In order to address the ethical challenges arising from inadequate working conditions, such as insufficient wages, child labor, and workplace health and safety issues, a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach is imperative. By integrating these theoretical frameworks with practical strategies, we can envision a series of impactful actions aimed at improving working conditions across diverse industries.

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1. Establishing wage and safety standards

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1. Establishing wage and safety standards

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It is imperative to establish minimum wage and safety standards in order to provide essential protection for workers. The efficiency wage theory posits that offering higher wages can lead to increased productivity and reduced turnover (Akerlof et al., 1986). Similarly, ensuring safe working conditions can mitigate accidents and enhance overall efficiency.

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Educating employers and workers about their rights and responsibilities is crucial in resisting unethical prectices. Bandura's social learning theory suggests that behavior can be influenced through observation and learning (Bandura, 1977). By raising awareness, a culture of respect and fairness can be fostered within the workplace.

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Implementing robust labor laws is essential for upholding the rights of workers. The theories such as Rawls' theory of justice underscore the significance of fairness and equality, advocating policies that ensure equitable wages and a secure working environment for all employees (Rawls, 1971).

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4. Promoting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

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4. Promoting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

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Encouraging companies to embrace CSR practices has the potential to enhance labor conditions. According to Friedman's theory, corporate responsibility extends beyond financial gain; it should also contribute positively to society (Friedman, 1962), including ensuring ethical labor standards.

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By integrating these theories and strategies, comprehensive solutions can be developed to address the ethical dilemmas associated with inadequate working conditions. Collaboration among governments, businesses, and civil society is essential in creating a more decent and secure workplace environment for all individuals.