5 things you should know about decent jobs and reducing inequality

The COVID-19 pandemic has slowed progress towards many of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including the goals aimed at boosting economic growth and creating decent jobs (SDG 8) and reducing inequalities (SDG 10). At the upcoming Commission for Social Development on 6-15 February 2023, these two goals will take centre stage as efforts continue to make sure no one is left behind. Here are five things you should know:

1. 1.The world is experiencing deepening inequalities and uneven recovery from the COVID-19 crisis

The pandemic had a big impact on jobs and income, with marginalized and disadvantaged social groups being affected the most.It also presented a window of opportunity to take stock of these challenges, put effective policies in place, and build a more inclusive, equitable, and adaptable labour market for all, including the two billion people working in the informal economy.

2. 2.Creating full and productive employment and decent work helps overcome inequality

Evidence from national experiences shows that rising inequality is not inevitable. Policies matter, and inequality can be overcome in a sustained manner by creating full and productive employment and decent work for all. This can not only empower and improve the well-being of marginalized and disadvantaged social groups, but also foster a sense of dignity and purpose and create social connections, while leaving no one behind.

3. 3.Digital divides persist, with wider socioeconomic inequalities

COVID-19 has accelerated the pace of digital transformation, changing the way we work and live. This increased pace of digital transformation has amplified the urgency of closing the digital divide. The spread of global technologies and increased reliance on ICTs have created even greater disparities during the pandemic. Unequal capacities on the use of technology will continue to affect well-being across the life cycle, particularly for young people, in the areas of education, employment, and health. Thoughtful and forward-thinking measures are needed to promote the inclusion of vulnerable populations in the digital revolution and leverage technology as a public good.

4. 4.Africa is facing multidimensional challenges

Facing three major crises - the lingering COVID-19 pandemic, the conflict in Ukraine, and climate change - Africa continues to face multidimensional challenges,which are keeping the continent fragile and vulnerable in key aspects of human development. Lack of access to decent jobs and social protection can prevent people from actively participating in and contributing to society, thereby undermining their economic security and trust in public institutions and raising resentment and social tensions.

5. 5.Governments can do more to create inclusive, equitable and adaptable labour markets

Countries can foster an enabling business environment for the creation of decent jobs for all and intervene in the labor market to enhance its inclusiveness and adaptability, as well as to support vulnerable workers. They can support vulnerable workers and job seekers through specific labor market policies and universal social protection benefits. These include unemployment, maternity, disability, and sickness benefits, which can ensure workers’ income security, even in the case of shocks. Governments can also invest more in lifelong learning, long-term care, and care work. Promoting digital inclusion among vulnerable populations that are adapted to the realities of aging, changing family structures, new forms of work, and ways of organizing work is crucial in this endeavor.

Learn more and follow the work of the 61st Session of the Commission for Social Development here.